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Senator Al Franken By: Carol Dunn  |
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It’s official! Former comedian Al Franken is now the senator from Minnesota.
Yes the eight month recount and courtroom stall tactics are over. Senator Norm Coleman conceded Tuesday, June 30 just hours after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Franken should be certified as the winner of the 2008 election.
Coleman’s concession was considered by many long over due; just as his continual legal challenges we’re beginning to seem like a purposeful attempt to prolong his inevitable defeat. But in the final analysis it should be remembered that only 312 votes separated the candidates, and it is likely that Franken would have fought just as hard, for just as long in an attempt to somehow, make up the vote gap, and claim victory in the election.
Franken, who is smiling ear to ear, is visibly ready to get started and it is likely he will be sworn in sometime next week. What kind of senator Franken will be is still a huge unknown. Not so much politically, but more dynamically. What kind of presence will he command?
What we do know is that Franken is an intelligent man with a fast wit. Envision John Boehner debating Franken over some bill. He could find himself within his element.
Franken who many are counting as the 60th Democratic senator has publicly stated that he has no intention of going to Washington to be the 60th senator, but rather he intends to act as the second senator from Minnesota.
But Franken’s victory does give Democrats 60 votes, a filibuster proof majority. Now the only question is; will the Democrats use it? Will Harry Reid grow a spine and start pushing through a liberal agenda? Neither party has had a 60 vote majority in the senate for like 30 years. This is an unbelievable opportunity. Not only to get necessary items like universal health care taken care of, but even simply getting progressive ideas on the table.
Congratulations senator Franken, and thank you people of Minnesota for demonstrating how a close election can be contested fairly and with civility.
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