In a press conference just now, former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) has conceded defeat to the Democratic comedian Franken in the 2008 Senate race — nearly eight months after Election Day, and six months after the seat went vacant when Coleman’s single term had expired. Coleman said that further litigation would damage the state, and congratulated Sen.-elect Franken on his victory. He said his future plans in politics “are a subject for another day.”
Time to pop the bubbly.
UPDATE: Tim Pawlenty will sign Franken’s certificate today. From a hot-off-the grill statement:
“The Minnesota Supreme Court has today addressed the issues surrounding the accuracy and integrity of our election system during the 2008 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota. In light of that decision and Senator Coleman’s announcement that he will not be pursuing an appeal, I will be signing the election certificate today as directed by the court and applicable law.
UPDATE (David): Because Congress is in the midst of a week-long Fourth of July recess, Franken can’t be sworn in until next week.
If Coleman had not done this then Pawlenty would be in a no-win situation. If he signed then the GOP would be upset and itd hurt his chances in winning the 2012 primary. If he didnt sign then hed feel even more wrath at home. And chances of winning MN in the general would look much worse. Not to mention that DFL members in the state legislature would find more reason to oppose him. Thus he would get less accomplished. So I bet he is pretty happy right now he didnt have to make that decision.
He does not have one. Its over for him. Okay maybe he could carpetbag to Bachmann’s district and run there if it opens up in 2010. If she can get elected then any Republican can. But despite his character flaws he would be much more moderate than her. But I doubt he will even consider this. I have a feeling, though, that he basically ‘took one for the team’…as in he sacrificed his political career for the GOP. Had he simply conceded after the election were over he still might have a real political future. But now hes too tarnished. And I bet he really, in his heart, doesnt want to return to private life. As he seems like your typical ‘career politician’.
about the recount being over. It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend.
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruling is worded, well, strangely. The decision says that Frankem should be seated but it does not specifically direct Pawlenty to sign the certificate. The Minneapolis Star Tribune says the wording of the ruling is due to “separation of powers.” I think it is kind of wimpy.
Coleman has conceded but if he appealed to the US Supreme Court, that would defer a decision until at least October and possibly much later. I trust this court to be extremely biased in favor of both corporations and the Republican Party. In my heart of hearts, I think Coleman would win an appeal to the SCOTUS by a 5-4 or 5-3 margin.
We caught a break here.
Glad she was right THIS time. 😉
Franken’s committee assignments
Party at my place!
I was hoping for one last Norm ‘Dickface’ Coleman reference for posterity’s sake.
Oh, well. 🙂
…that I finished off my beer and can’t afford more. Otherwise this deserves a toast, if only in the “thank god at last” manner.
Now the Al Franken Decade can officially begin!
Now let’s try for 65. We have NC, MO, KY, NH, FL, and others coming (assuming we don’t lose any of our own), or am I getting too carried away?
Its a little early, but will Franken run for a second term, or is he one-and-done? A lot of DFLers, while glad that Coleman is gone, were unhappy that our candidate had to be Franken (myself included). Remember, a stronger candidate would’ve beat Coleman by 5-10 points given the momentum for Democrats last year. So, will Franken find it in him to run for another term, or will he step aside and let another candidate run for his place? I can’t see Franken being a career Senator.
for 16 years, i’m so glad to see this. And Coleman is now making noises like he wants to run for Governor. A guy who has run statewide three times in the last 10 years and averaged less than 42% is thinking we’re all waiting for him.
And we are…with a figurative baseball bat.
How much are legal costs on both sides?