Court Declares Franken The Winner, Coleman To Appeal
A MN court unanimously declared this p.m. that entertainer Al Franken (D) won the most votes in his '08 MN SEN race against ex-Sen. Norm Coleman (R).
"The overwhelming weight of the evidence indicates that the November 4, 2008 election was conducted fairly, impartially, and accurately," the judges wrote. "There is no evidence of a systematic problem of disenfranchisement in the state's election system, including in its absentee-balloting procedures."
DSCC Chair Bob Menendez said MNans "have many reasons to be proud tonight, not the least of which is knowing they have one of the best election systems in the entire country. A thorough election contest upheld the result of a meticulous recount. Al Franken won the election, Al Franken won the recount, Al Franken won the contest, and now Al Franken should be allowed to get to work for the people of Minnesota."
But ... don't expect the election to be decided just yet. Coleman immediately announced plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court. He has 10 days to do so. Coleman atty Ben Ginsberg: "The court's ruling tonight is consistent with how they've ruled throughout this case but inconsistent with the Minnesota tradition of enfranchising voters. For these reasons, we must appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court so that no voter is left behind."
Franken is expected to make a public statement later this evening.
Coleman's insistence on tying up the courts and denying Franken his seat are a new form of republican election theft. The voters have spoken and the election was over five months ago-it is disgusting to watch the unemployed Coleman march on with his backers gloating in the wings.