State Supreme Court rules in Franken's favor; Coleman concedes

By a 5-0 vote announced Tuesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in Democrat Al Franken’s favor in an election recount appeal filed by incumbent Republican Norm Coleman, likely clearing the way for Franken to join Democrat Amy Klobuchar as Minnesota’s two U.S. Senators.

After the court decision was announced, Coleman conceded defeat almost eight months after the election and said he would not pursue an appeal.

"We have a lot of work to do in Washington, but that's why I signed up for the job in the first place,” Franken said in a release Tuesday afternoon. “When we started this campaign way back in February 2007, I said that Americans have never backed away from tough challenges, and Minnesotans have always led the way.

"Working with our fantastic senior Senator, Amy Klobuchar, I'm going to fight hard to put people to work, improve education, make Minnesota the epicenter of a new renewable energy economy, and make quality health care accessible and affordable for all Minnesotans.

"No matter whether you voted for me, or for Senator Coleman, or for Senator Barkley, or whether you voted at all, I want the people of Minnesota to know that I'm ready to work for all of you, and that I'm committed to being a voice for all Minnesotans in the U.S. Senate."

The justices said in a 32-page opinion that, "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."

(Terry Davis is a Hutchinson Leader staff writer. E-mail him at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)