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Al Franken Ruled Winner of Senate Seat by Minnesota Court

by Jarrett Martineau | April 13, 2009 at 07:51 pm

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The battle is far from over, but Democratic candidate Al Franken has — for the time being — been officially declared the winner of his hard-fought battle against Republican rival Norm Coleman, for a U.S. senate seat in Minnesota.

Coleman has vowed to fight the ruling and appeal it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary

A Minnesota court panel ruled on Monday that Democrat Al Franken beat Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in the long-fought contest for a U.S. Senate seat and said the comic turned politician should be certified as the winner.

The contest, however, is far from over. Coleman has already said he would appeal the widely anticipated ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court and possibly to federal courts.

It may be months before the U.S. Senate knows if Democrats will control a crucial 59th seat in the body, strengthening their chances of putting together a controlling 60-vote bloc to cut off debate.

"I am honored and humbled by this close victory, and I'm looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible," said Franken.