Supreme Court Rules for Franken! Coleman Concedes
Jun 30, 2009

Well it's official - after eight long months, and many millions of dollars, Al Franken will be now be seated as the next Senator from Minnesota.

Granted, yes, it could have been "official" when the vote was tallied, when the state canvassing board ruled in Franken's favor, or when the panel of three Minnesota judges agreed, but today the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously sided with Franken and declared him the winner - and Coleman has conceded.

"Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled [under Minnesota law] to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota."

The eight month battle came to an end with this ruling, and as promised, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vowed to sign Franken's election certificate, the last remaining legal hurdle to his victory.

Sen. Al Franken will now become the 60th U.S. Senator to caucus with Senate Democrats, a filibuster-proof majority that just a year ago seemed far too unlikely by even the most optimistic of political pundits.

Council for a Livable World - and its membership - contributed more than $120,000 to Franken's race.