Al Franken

Pawlenty: "It's Time To Move On" From Senate Race -- And From Michael Jackson, Too

Eric Kleefeld | July 3, 2009, 1:00PM

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) gave what he perhaps hopes can be a final comment on the 2008 Minnesota Senate race: That he's glad it's over, and let's stop talking about it.

"I think we're all relieved the Senate race is over," Pawlenty said on his weekly radio show. "There's been some frustration over how long it took."

Pawlenty, of course, did add that "I wish it had come out the other way," but he respects the process.

Interestingly, as the Star Tribune points out, Pawlenty declared that it was "time to move on" -- the exact same turn of phrase he used to describe the media coverage of Michael Jackson.

Al Franken

Franken To Be Sworn In Tuesday, After Six Months Of Waiting

Eric Kleefeld | July 2, 2009, 4:15PM

Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) will be sworn into his new position on Tuesday, July 7, CNN reports.

Fun fact: This means Franken will be sworn in exactly six months plus one day after when he would have been sworn in along with all the other folks elected to the Senate in 2008, if not for the legal battle that kept his super-narrow election victory in limbo.

Al Franken

Franken To Headline Big Tom Harkin Fundraiser

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 4:48PM

Fresh off his narrow and long-awaited victory, Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) will be going on a victory lap of sorts, headlining the Tom Harkin Steak Fry in Iowa this September.

The Harkin event is of course a frequent stop for prospective or actual presidential candidates, leading Jonathan Martin to jokingly (?) wonder if Franken has his eye on 2016. There is of course a simple explanation, consistent with everything we've known for years: You can't keep Al Franken away from a big, raucous Democratic fundraising event.

I attended just such a gathering for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, held in a backyard in Madison in November 2003. Franken stood up in a super-crowded tent that was filled way beyond the hosts' expectations, on top of a heater that had been put in to warm up the space, and opened his speech by joking about how safe he felt. It was a fun time.

Al Franken

Inhofe Ridicules "The Clown From Minnesota"

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 2:57PM

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) had some kind words for the newest member of the U.S. Senate, Al Franken.

"I'll tell you what a lot of people are thinking," Inhofe told the Tulsa World, discussing the decreasing likelihood of successful Republican filibusters, "and that is it looks like things are going to be over and we are going to get the clown from Minnesota."

"I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I don't know the guy, but ... for a living he is a clown,'' Inhofe added. "That's what he does for a living."

Franken was, indeed, a funny-man for a living. So what's Inhofe's excuse?

And by the way, folks, the Republican Party celebrates as their greatest hero a former actor who starred in a movie in which his character became the adoptive father of a chimpanzee. There's nothing wrong or disqualifying about acting alongside a chimp, of course -- it sounds kind of fun, actually. But the complete double-standard, and the seemingly total unawareness of it, are pretty striking.

Al Franken

Franken's New Capitol Hill Office Seals Final Victory Over Coleman

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 2:37PM

Now that he has won his seat in the United States Senate and will be sworn in next week, Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) has officially been assigned office space on Capitol Hill -- with some very special significance to it.

A Senate staffer has sent TPM this photo of Franken's new office, complete with his name on the plaque outside the door:

It just so happens that Franken's new office in the Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 320, previously belonged to none other than former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), who Franken narrowly defeated in this long and drawn out race.

Presumably the office was being kept vacant on the off-chance that Coleman might have won his lawsuit against the election results, and then he would have been able to return to it. In the end, somebody else from Minnesota will be moving in.

Al Franken

An Emotional Franken Thanks His Supporters, His Family -- And Recognizes Wellstone's Legacy

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 2:13PM

Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) just held a victory rally at the Minnesota state Capitol in St. Paul, celebrating his hard-fought and heavily-litigated victory that finally came true yesterday. In some of the most heartfelt terms possible, he thanked his staff, all of his supporters and volunteers, and especially his family -- and paid tribute to a departed friend, the late Sen. Paul Wellstone.

"Well, it was close," he began his remarks, to the laughter of the crowd, alluding to his final certified victory margin of 312 votes out of about 2.9 million. "But we won." And the crowd applauded.

"And when you win an election by this close a margin, you know that not one bit of effort went to waste," he later added. "And so I want to thank every single person who knocked on a door, marched in a parade, made a phone call, gave money, gave time, gave energy, gave of themselves to this effort. Thank all of you, thank you, thank you, thank you."

The longer his speech went on, Franken became more emotional, clearly touched in a very deep way at the amazing victory he has won, and all the effort that other people put into it on his behalf.

Read more »

Al Franken

Murdoch Press Blows Gasket Over Franken Victory

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 12:15PM

Here's a fun dose of schadenfreude.

Sen.-elect Al Franken's (D-MN) long-awaited victory in the 2008 Minnesota Senate race seems to have caused quite a lot of stress in the Murdoch-owned press. Remember, this is the same corporation that sued him for his Lies And The Lying Liars Who Tell Them book back in 2003, with the unintended consequence of giving him tons of free publicity to sell books -- and elevating him into being a hero of liberal activists, without which he might never have become a politician!

On Fox News yesterday evening, Glenn Beck was quite alarmed by the development:

"This is like having me in the Senate," Beck said. "You don't want me as a Senator! What is that? I mean, it shows how crazy our country has gone -- you don't want me as a Senator, you don't want Al Franken as a Senator."

Regardless of whether you agree with that comparison, you do have to admire Beck's honesty about himself.

Read more »

Al Franken

DSCC E-mail: Help Congratulate Al Franken

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 11:42AM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has now sent out a DSCC fundraising e-mail celebrating the victory of Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN), and inviting recipients to congratulate him.

"Sen.-elect Franken's vote will be crucial as we work to pass President Obama's change agenda - a stronger economy, health care for more Americans, and energy policies that protect the planet," the e-mail says, with the emphasis in the original. "We'd also like to thank all of those dedicated supporters from Minnesota and across the nation who helped make it happen. Al Franken couldn't have won without your help, and his victory is your victory, too."

Technically, the e-mail is not a fundraising letter, as there is no appeal for money in the body of the text. There is a standard button at the bottom to contribute money to the DSCC -- and the Dems would obviously appreciate any donations that might come in to mark the occasion -- but they put that in all their e-mails.

The full e-mail is available after the jump.

Read more »

Supreme Court

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 9:03AM

SCOTUS Moving Rightward Under Roberts
The Washington Post reports that this past Supreme Court session shows the Roberts Court to have moved definitely to the right, through a cautious and incremental -- but definitely conservative -- approach. "One thing I think is going on is that the Chief Justice has a devotion to the institution of the Supreme Court, and not wanting to get it out on a limb in front of public opinion," said Ilya Shapiro of the Cato Institute. "But Roberts is, after all, a conservative." The New York Times says the same thing, pointing to the key role played by Justice Anthony Kennedy as the swing vote.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold an online town hall discussion on health care at 1:15 p.m. ET, hosted at Northern Virginia Community College. At 4:45 p.m. ET, he will sign a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Read more »

MN-SEN

Al Franken's Victory Speech

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 7:39PM

Here's video of Sen.-elect Al Franken's (D-MN) victory speech and press conference:

Al Franken

Franken vs. Coleman: Our Top 10 Moments

Rachel Slajda | June 30, 2009, 6:12PM

It's been a strange eight months following the Minnesota elections. Here are 10 of our very favorite moments (post election), care of TPMDC reporter (and Franken-Coleman authority) Eric Kleefeld:

Nov. 5: Franken Says Race "Too Close to Call"
The day after the election, Franken releases a statement vowing that the race is not over. He doesn't know the half of it...

Jan. 6: Coleman Files Lawsuit Contesting Results
Coleman's lawsuit is filed right after the recount is completed, and is filled with contradictions and flimsy legal arguments. Basically, Coleman and his lawyers say the entire election was tainted, and he deserves to win. In Eric's words, his strategy is "overall throw[ing] everything against the wall to see what sticks."

Jan. 29, Feb. 4: Coleman Tries To Get Ballots Counted Despite Forgery
In so many cases we lose count, Coleman's lawyers try to get ballots OK'd despite the fact that the signatures on the ballot applications were forged. One such argument led to this memorable exchange with lead Coleman attorney Joe Friedberg:

Friedberg: In point of fact, even though I did something I wasn't supposed to do with the application, my ballot should still count because my signature is genuine.

Deputy Secretary of State Jim Gelbmann: Not according to the procedures we use to determine whether the signature is genuine.

Friedberg: I don't care about your procedures.

(Franken lawyer calls an objection, is sustained.)

Friedberg: OK, I do care...

Feb. 27: Franken Team Catches Coleman Hiding a Witness
The courtroom devolves into chaos when Franken's lawyers catch Coleman's team havinghidden a witness, a Republican poll worker from Minneapolis, during the discovery phase of the trial. This came after they'd been caught having withheld notes that were made by this same poll worker. Franken then moved to have Coleman's claims of double-counted ballots dropped. The witness's testimony was ultimately kept in the record, but the damage to Team Coleman's credibility was clear.

March 30: Cornyn Says Election Could Take "Years" To Resolve
NRSC John Cornyn promises resistance to any attempt to seat Franken, saying that the litigation could take "years" to sort out. Nice try, John.

April 13: Franken Declares Victory, Quotes Paul Wellstone
After the election contest court rules in Franken's favor, he holds a press conference outside his home, quoting Paul Wellstone, the Minnesota senator and close friend of Franken's who died in 2002. "It's like what Paul Wellstone always said: Politics isn't about winning, it's about improving people's lives." Wellstone's death clearly had a big personal effect on Franken, spurring him to get seriously involved in politics, which ultimately led to this entire hullabaloo.

April, May: Polls Show Minnesotans Want Coleman to Concede
Three polls show that a majority of Minnesota voters -- from 54%, 63% and 70% -- want Coleman to step back and let Franken take the Senate seat.

May 4: Franken: "Why Am I Grumpy? Oh, I Know Why"
An annoyed Franken describes his strange transition process (one in which he can't pay any of his staffers) and admits that, yes, sometimes we all get a little cranky.

June 30: Coleman Concedes. It's Over.
After the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously rules that Franken legitimately won the election, Coleman holds a (rather classy) press conference in which he finally concedes the race. Minnesota (and TPM HQ) breathes a sigh of relief.

June 30: Franken Accepts Victory
A jubilant Franken holds a press conference to accept victory and thank Coleman, saying "I'm so excited to finally be able to get to work for the people of Minnesota."

Finally indeed, Senator-elect Franken.

MN-SEN

Franken Thanks Minnesota -- And Coleman

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 5:56PM

Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) held a press conference outside his Minneapolis home, celebrating his win in the long drama that has been the Minnesota Senate race.

"Franni [his wife] and I are so thrilled that we can finally celebrate this victory, and I'm so excited to finally be able to get to work for the people of Minnesota," he said. "I received a very gracious call from Sen. Coleman a little while ago. He wished me well, I wished him well, and we agreed that it is time to finally bring this state together."

It should be noted that during all the litigation and back-and-forth attacks, the Franken campaign and legal team would refer to Norm Coleman as "former Sen. Coleman." But now that the race is over and it's a time for civility and unity, the inherent insult of the "former" has now been put aside.

Franken said that the country faces many challenges in the economy and world affairs. "So even though Franni and I are thrilled and honored by the faith that Minnesotans have placed in me, I'm also humbled," he said, "not just by the closeness of this election, but also by the enormity of the responsibilities that come with this office."

He also said that much has been talked about, that he'll be the 60th Democratic Senator. "The way I see it, I'm not going to Washington to be the 60th democratic senator. I'm going to Washington to be the second Senator from Minnesota, and that's how I'm going to do this job," he said, to the applause of his supporters.

Read more »

MN-SEN

Steele: "I Am Deeply Disappointed" By Minnesota Supreme Court's Decision

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 5:37PM

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele has released this statement on the final conclusion of the Minnesota Senate race, in which Democratic activist and comedian Al Franken defeated Republican Sen. Norm Coleman after a long process of recounting and litigation:

"I am deeply disappointed in the decision made by the state Supreme Court, and I share the frustration of Minnesota's voters. At the core of our democracy lies two concrete principles: No valid vote should go uncounted and all votes should be treated equally. Sadly, those principles were not adhered to during this election. While I would have proudly stood behind Norm Coleman had he chosen to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, I know that his decision to withdraw from this race was not an easy one, but one that he felt was the best decision for the people of Minnesota. For the last six years, Norm represented the people of Minnesota with distinction, earning a much deserved reputation as one of the hardest-working members of Congress. I, on behalf of all Republicans, thank him for his service and will miss his leadership in Washington."

MN-SEN

Norm Coleman's Concession Speech

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 5:02PM

Here's a big part of former Sen. Norm Coleman's (R-MN) press conference today, conceding defeat to Democratic activist and comedian Al Franken in the much-litigated 2008 Minnesota Senate race:

John Cornyn

Cornyn On Minnesota Race: "It's Troubling To Think" What Dems Will Do With 60 Seats

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 4:58PM

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has released this statement on Sen.-elect Al Franken's (D-MN) victory:

"I would like to commend both Norm Coleman and Al Franken on a hard fought campaign. In particular, I would like to be among the first to welcome Al Franken to the United States Senate.

"This has been a long process and while both sides would have preferred a speedier outcome, full, fair and free elections are what make our nation great. That's why I have so much respect for Norm Coleman. I've known Norm not just as a friend and colleague, but as a devoted public servant who recognized that this legal challenge was not just about him. It was about making sure no Minnesotan was disenfranchised in this election.

Read more »

MN-SEN

Reid: I Appreciate That Coleman Fought Hard, And That He Is Now Stepping Aside

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 4:44PM

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has issued this statement, on former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) having conceded defeat to Democratic Sen.-elect Al Franken in the long-fought and long-litigated 2008 Minnesota Senate race:

"I know a thing or two about close elections, and I appreciate both that Norm Coleman fought hard throughout his race and recount, and that he is now stepping aside and letting the people of Minnesota have the full representation they deserve.

"I enjoyed my time working with Norm Coleman in the United States Senate, and wish him the best."

MN-SEN

Pawlenty To Sign Franken's Certificate Today

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 4:29PM

Our good friends at The Uptake report that Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) will sign Democratic Sen.-elect Al Franken's certificate of election today, now that Republican former Sen. Norm Coleman has conceded defeat after the state Supreme Court upheld Franken's super-narrow win.

Pawlenty was put in a tight spot, due to his position as a potential Republican presidential candidate and the possibility of further litigation by Coleman. But with Coleman's concession, Pawlenty has only to exercise a purely ministerial duty.

Franken won't be sworn in as a Senator until next week, because the Senate is not in session. But all the various legal issues that have surrounded this race, from the political to the legal and the most technical, have all been resolved.

Al Franken will be able to go to Washington next week, and be sworn into the Senate seat formerly held by his old friend, the late Democratic Sen. Paul Wellstone.

Barack Obama

Obama: "I Look Forward To Working With Senator-Elect Franken"

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 4:17PM

President Obama has released this statement on Sen.-elect Al Franken's (D-MN) much-litigated and now final victory in the 2008 Minnesota Senate race:

"I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Franken to build a new foundation for growth and prosperity by lowering health care costs and investing in the kind of clean energy jobs and industries that will help America lead in the 21st century."

MN-SEN

The Minnesota Senate Race Is Over -- Coleman Has Conceded Defeat To Franken

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 4:04PM

Who would have thought that something bizarre would happen when Al Franken ran for public office?

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."

Coleman also said he would no longer contest the much-litigated matter of which previously-rejected absentee ballots should and should not be let into the count, for which both campaigns had picked out lists to argue over. "I'm not questioning what's counted and what's not counted. The Supreme Court has decided," he said. "We are a nation of laws and not men and women. Now that the court has spoken, it's time to move on and not look back."

Coleman said his phone call with Franken was civil. "It couldn't have been any closer and he understands, what his family has gone through, and what me and my family have gone through," said Coleman. "It was a very personal discussion. I congratulated him and wished him the best, and he responded in kind."

It's been a long and strange journey from there to here. Coleman had initially been ahead of the long-time Democratic activist and dirty comedian right after the election, seemingly winning by around 700 votes the day after the election. But then the state went through the standard process of having the counties all proofread their spreadsheets -- and it turned out he only led by 215.

Then the recount commenced, with ballots from malfunctioning machines or with markings that were too light to be scanned cutting into the lead. Then after the State Canvassing Board adjudicated the ballots that had been challenged by the campaigns for voter intent or illegal voter signatures (and most of these challenges from both sides were completely frivolous, designed to manipulate the totals), it was now Franken who was ahead by 49 votes. Then after extensive litigation on absentee ballot envelopes that had been rejected due to clerical errors by local officials, Franken was then up by 225 votes.

Then Coleman filed a lawsuit to contest the results, contending that a) ballots were let in for Franken that shouldn't have been, b) ballots for Coleman that should have been allowed were not, and c) damaged absentee ballots that had been duplicated ended up being counted twice, favoring Franken. After months and months of litigation, the three-member trial court rejected all of these claims -- and some more previously-rejected ballots that were put in only expanded Franken's victory to 312 votes.

Read more »

MN-SEN

Minnesota Sec. of State: I Will Co-Sign Election Certificate As Soon As It Is Issued by Gov. Pawlenty

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 3:30PM

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (D) has released this statement on apparent Sen.-elect Al Franken's (D) victory at the Minnesota Supreme Court:

I thank the Minnesota Supreme Court, the three-judge election contest panel, the State Canvassing Board, local election officials, and all campaign staff and volunteers for their extraordinary efforts in bringing this U.S. Senate election to its conclusion.

This unanimous opinion of the Court affirms the accuracy and fairness of Minnesota's election laws and recount procedures. As required by Minnesota law, I will co-sign the election certificate as soon as it is issued by Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican and a potential presidential candidate, has not yet released a statement.

MN-SEN

Top Senate Dem Aide: We Are Prepared To Swear In Franken "As Early As Possible Next Week"

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 3:26PM

I just asked a top Senate Democratic aide what the expectation is over there for the Minnesota Senate race, and whether Norm Coleman will concede and/or Al Franken will be finally declared the winner now that the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled in Franken's favor.

"Based on everything we have seen so far, we assume this is moving towards closure once and for all," the source said. "Once the Secretary signs the certificate, and sends it to the Secretary of the Senate, we are prepared to swear in Sen.-elect Franken as early as possible next week."

MN-SEN

Coleman And Franken To Do Press Conferences Later Today

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 3:15PM

Former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) will be holding a press conference at 4 p.m. ET, reacting to today's ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Democratic comedian Al Franken is the winner of the 2008 Senate race.

The big question is whether Coleman will concede the race, or instead try to fight on at the U.S. Supreme Court. It's been nearly six months since this Senate seat went vacant, stuck in the limbo of all this litigation. We could know today whether this is truly the end, or if instead this will keep on going.

Apparent Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) will then give his own press conference at 5:15 p.m. ET.

MN-SEN

DNC Chair Kaine: Today's Ruling "Marks The End Of The Line For Norm Coleman's Legal Battle"

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 3:08PM

Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine has released this statement on Al Franken's victory at the Minnesota Supreme Court:

"On behalf of the Democratic National Committee, I congratulate Al Franken on his election to the United States Senate. Senator-Elect Franken must be seated as soon as possible. The people of Minnesota rightfully elected Al Franken to serve in the Senate and there is far too much work to be done for the state and the nation to drag this process on any longer."

"Today's ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court marks the end of the line for Norm Coleman's legal battle. For too long, Minnesotans have been denied their proper representation in Congress while Norm Coleman pursued his political ambitions. In light of today's decision, Norm Coleman should concede and Governor Pawlenty should sign the election certificate which Al Franken is entitled to, and which he pledged to do upon guidance from the court. Doing so will finally put this saga to an end and give Minnesotans their full voice in the U.S. Senate."

It should be noted that Coleman's legal battle theoretically could keep going, if he were to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and be able to get an injunction against certifying Franken's victory. That scenario doesn't seem too likely, but we'll see how this all plays out.

Al Franken

People For The American Way: "Sen. Franken's Victory"

Rachel Slajda | June 30, 2009, 3:00PM

Progressive group People for the American Way released this statement from their president, Michael B. Keegan:

It's taken quite a while, but Senator Franken's victory is now official. That's good news for Minnesotans and for all of us. Governor Pawlenty has said he would certify the election results, and he should do so immediately.

Senator Franken's victory should finally put to rest GOP threats to filibuster President Obama's agenda. With any luck, Senate Republicans will take this opportunity to stop obstructing the important work that needs to get done for the country and actually start helping to get it done.

MN-SEN

Minnesota Dems: "We Trust That Senator-Elect Franken Will Be Seated Without Delay"

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 2:54PM

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party has released this statement from chair Brian Melendez and associate chair Donna Cassutt, on Al Franken's victory today at the Minnesota Supreme Court:

"We offer our heartfelt congratulations once again to Senator-elect Franken, his wife Franni and their family. Throughout this long process, Minnesotans have seen what kind of senator Al Franken will be: determined, patient, thoughtful and ready to work for our state. Now it is time for the senator-elect to be seated so that Minnesota is once again fully represented in the United States Senate.

"The Supreme Court's ruling also proves that Minnesotans can take pride in our election process. The close vote, the long recount and the ensuing election contest may have confounded other states. But Minnesota has shown the nation that our system is meticulous, transparent and fair.

Read more »

MN-SEN

Reid: "I Congratulate Senator-Elect Al Franken, The Next Senator From The State Of Minnesota"

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 2:40PM

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has released this statement on Al Franken's victory at the Minnesota Supreme Court:

"I congratulate Senator-elect Al Franken, the next Senator from the state of Minnesota.

"The people of Minnesota will now finally get the brilliant and hardworking new senator they elected in November and the full representation they deserve. After all the votes have been counted and recounted, the Minnesota Supreme Court has made the final determination that Minnesotans have chosen Al Franken to help their state and our country get back on track.

"The Senate looks forward to welcoming Senator-elect Franken as soon as possible. He will play a crucial role as we work to strengthen our economy, ensure all Americans can access and afford quality health care, make our country more energy independent, confirm the President's outstanding nominee to the Supreme Court, and tackle the many other challenges we face.

"I once again encourage Governor Pawlenty to respect the votes of his constituents and the decisions of his state's highest court. He should put politics aside, follow his state's laws and finally sign the certificate that will bring this episode to an end."

Al Franken

White House "Pleased" With Ruling for Franken

Rachel Slajda | June 30, 2009, 2:37PM

Politico reports:

And at the White House, press secretary Robert Gibbs told POLITICO they were "pleased" with the result.

PERMALINK | COMMENTS (0) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)
Topics: Al Franken, MN-SEN, Norm Coleman

MN-SEN

Change To Win: It's Time To Seat Franken

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 2:34PM

The big interest groups are already starting to react to the big news from Minnesota, where Al Franken's victory in the 2008 Senate race has just been reaffirmed by the state Supreme Court. The Change to Win labor federation came out with this statement, calling for Franken to be seated:

WASHINGTON, DC -- Change to Win chair and SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger issued the following statement on today's decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Al Franken is entitled to a certificate of election as Minnesota's next U.S. Senator:

"Now that the Minnesota Supreme Court has made its final ruling, it is time to recognize Al Franken as the duly elected Senator from Minnesota. As is appropriate after any extremely close election, Minnesotans took the time to conduct an extensive and thorough recount process, but now that all reasonable legal options have been exhausted, Minnesota deserves its full representation in Congress. We call on Governor Pawlenty to pursue the state's best interests and end this contest instead of favoring those who would allow the recount to continue for purely partisan reasons.

Read more »

AFL-CIO

AFL-CIO: Franken Crucial For EFCA Passage

Brian Beutler | June 30, 2009, 2:32PM

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney is out with a statement on the Supreme Court's verdict in favor of Al Franken. "[I]t is essential that Minnesotans have both their Senators to represent them," Sweeney said, "and we urge Governor Pawlenty to immediately sign the election certificate so Franken can get to work."

"The seating of Senator Franken is also a crucial step towards passing the Employee Free Choice Act," Sweeney added. "We urge the Senate to move forward swiftly on this crucial piece of legislation as well as health care reform, financial re-regulation and all the crucial issues facing working families."

You can read the entire statement below the fold.

Read more »

MN-SEN

DSCC Chair Menendez: "Congratulations To Senator-Elect Franken"

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 2:23PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has released this statement on Al Franken's victory at the Minnesota Supreme Court:

"Congratulations to Senator-elect Franken for today's courtroom victory affirming his electoral victory. As we've seen over the past 238 days, no matter how many times Norm Coleman goes to court, the result of the election never changes: Al Franken earned more votes than Norm Coleman. Al Franken was elected to the Senate and he ought to be able to get to work for the people of Minnesota. We've always said that Norm Coleman deserved his day in court, and he got eight months. Now we expect Governor Pawlenty to do the right thing, follow the law, and sign the election certificate. From health care to the Supreme Court to getting our economy moving again, the challenges facing us are complex and we need Al Franken in the Senate. In this historic and urgent moment in our history, Minnesotans have gone long enough without full representation. Al Franken will be an critical voice on the issues before us and it's time to let him get to work."

MN-SEN

Minnesota Supreme Court Rules On Coleman's Appeal: He Lost, Franken Won The Election

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2009, 2:08PM

The Minnesota Supreme Court has handed down its much-expected ruling in the heavily-litigated Minnesota Senate race from 2008 -- and it's a unanimous one -- deciding against Republican former Sen. Norm Coleman's appeal of his defeat in the election trial and affirming the lower court's verdict that Democratic comedian Al Franken is the legitimate winner of the race.

The courts finds that "Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under Minn. Stat. § 204C.40 (2008) to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota." This means that when Franken is ultimately seated, the Democrats will have 60 seats and be able to beat any Republican filibuster if they stay completely united (though good luck with that, obviously.)

It's been seven and a half months since Election Day, and five and a half months since the seat went vacant after Coleman's term expired -- but the state's process of recounts and litigation is now over, barring the unlikely event of a higher authority stepping in and forcing them to do more. Franken has won by 312 votes, out of roughly 2.9 million -- a difference of 0.011%.

The big question now is what comes next. Will Coleman concede, or will he take another path -- as national GOP leaders like Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) have urged -- and take this to federal courts, where he might try to get an injunction against Franken receiving a certificate of election? And if Franken does get his certificate, will the Senate GOP attempt to filibuster its acceptance?

Read more »

MN-SEN

GOP Congressman: Coleman Should Keep Fighting -- And The Courts Should Declare No Winner At All

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2009, 5:54PM

If former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) does decide to fight on at the U.S. Supreme Court after his much-expected defeat with the Minnesota Supremes, he'll have at least one public supporter back home in the continuing litigation of this 2008 Senate race: Minnesota GOP Congressman John Kline -- who says that the courts should decide there's no winner at all!

" I encouraged [Norm Coleman] to carry this through the courts until we can get as much confidence here in Minnesota and in the nation that the results are accurate," Kline told Minnesota Public Radio. But he also added something that has been pitched by Coleman and his legal team in the past -- that we can't truly know whether Coleman or Democratic comedian Al Franken was the true winner of a race this close.

Read more »

Tim Pawlenty

Pawlenty's Statement That He'll Certify Franken Doesn't Really Change Much

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2009, 9:58AM

A lot of talk is going around about Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R-MN) statement on CNN yesterday that he would sign a certificate of election for Al Franken. But in fact, nothing new was said here -- he reaffirmed stuff he's said before, that he'll sign a certificate under the orders of the state Supreme Court, but if a federal court intervenes to stop him then he will follow that order, too:

"Well, a federal court could stay or put a limit on or stop the effect of the state court ruling. If they chose, if they do that, I would certainly follow their direction," said Pawlenty. "But if that doesn't happen promptly or drags out for any period of time, then we need to move ahead with signing this, particularly if I'm ordered to do that by the state court."

The big question here is whether Pawlenty is playing a wink-wink, nudge-nudge of subtly encouraging such a federal challenge, or if he's simply saying that he'll follow court orders while also laying out the potential permutations that can happen. His tone in this particular interview maybe seemed a bit more in favor of the second option than last time. But there's only one way to find out what will actually happen.

MN-SEN

FEC: Coleman Can Use Campaign Money For Legal Funds In Kazeminy Case

Eric Kleefeld | June 25, 2009, 5:36PM

Former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) got a rare piece of good legal news today -- though it's unrelated to the pending matter of his appeal at the Minnesota Supreme Court of his election defeat which everyone expects him to lose.

The Federal Election Commission has ruled that Coleman can use campaign funds to pay for legal fees associated with the Nasser Kazeminy case, which involves a lawsuit in Texas alleging that a businessman conspired to funnel money to Coleman via his wife.

The committee went with existing precedents that campaign funds can be used to defend against accusations relating to a politician's official position -- that is, that nobody would have sought to bribe Coleman if he weren't a Senator.

However, the committee is silent on whether Coleman can use money from his special recount committee, which is distinct from his re-election fund.

MN-SEN

National GOP Spends Big For Coleman

Eric Kleefeld | June 23, 2009, 5:07PM

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has done a lot recently to help Norm Coleman's legal fight against Al Franken's super-narrow victory in the 2008 Minnesota Senate race, the Associated Press reports -- chipping in $938,000 in the last month alone.

The latest federal filings show that roughly $600,000 was spent directly by the NRSC on Coleman's legal bills, with $300,000 transferred to the state Republican Party for the same effort.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee did not itemize spending that might have gone to the Minnesota race, but it did raise $282,000 that was specifically earmarked for it.

John Cornyn

Cornyn Promises Continued Support For Coleman

Eric Kleefeld | June 23, 2009, 2:24PM

While we're all waiting for a decision from the Minnesota Supreme Court about the state's ever-continuing disputed 2008 Senate race between Republican former Sen. Norm Coleman and Democratic comedian Al Franken, the national GOP is reiterating its continued support for Coleman if he appeals a much-expected defeat -- and that avenues exist to stop Al Franken from being certified as the winner.

"We'll do everything we can to support Norm as long as he has appellate remedies to pursue," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, in an interview with David Weigel.

Cornyn noted that if Franken wins the appeals, the Governor and state Secretary of State will be required to give him a certificate of election -- his golden ticket into the Senate. But, Cornyn said, Coleman could potentially appeal to the Supreme Court: "The justice that's responsible for that area -- I think it's Justice Alito -- could issue a stay in the issuance of the election certificate, and it could be referred to the entire court."

"I say all this as 'could,'" said Cornyn, "not as 'will or should.'"

MN-SEN

The Minnesota Senate Race -- Covering Four Seasons

Eric Kleefeld | June 22, 2009, 3:41PM

As we all await a verdict from the Minnesota Supreme Court in the seemingly never-ending disputed 2008 Senate race between former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democratic comedian Al Franken, the Associated Press points out an interesting piece of information about this ongoing dispute: It has now covered all four seasons.

The disputed result began in the fall of 2008, then continued into winter 2008-2009, then into spring 2009 -- and with yesterday's summer solstice, it's now gone into the summer months, too.

So the big question now is whether it will end during the summer, with a clear verdict from the courts and the seating of a U.S. Senator -- or whether we'll be headed into this autumn with the fight still going.

Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 20, 2009, 1:12PM

Obama Calls For Consumer Financial Protection
In this weekend's Presidential YouTube Address, President Obama advocated for a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency, to crack down on complicated and deceptive lending practices:

"This new agency will have the responsibility to change that," said Obama. "It will have the power to set tough new rules so that companies compete by offering innovative products that consumers actually want - and actually understand. Those ridiculous contracts - pages of fine print that no one can figure out - will be a thing of the past. You'll be able to compare products - with descriptions in plain language - to see what is best for you. The most unfair practices will be banned. The rules will be enforced."

McConnell: Democrats Are "Rush And Spend" On Health Care -- Like With Stimulus
In this weekend's Republican YouTube, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) warned that Democratic proposals on health care will spend too much money -- and compared it unfavorably with the stimulus:

"If the stimulus bill taught us anything, it's that we should be wary anytime someone in Washington says the sky's going to fall unless Congress approves trillions of dollars immediately," said McConnell. "Yet once again in the health care debate, it's rush and spend, rush and spend. Americans want health care reform, but they want the right health care reform. And that means taking the time and the care necessary to get it right."

Read more »

MN-SEN

Coleman Staffers Getting New Jobs

Eric Kleefeld | June 19, 2009, 3:34PM

Have things reached the point in the ongoing (and going, and going...) Minnesota Senate race, where even Norm Coleman's staffers may have seen the writing on the wall? In recent weeks, two of his top staffers have gotten new jobs.

LeRoy Coleman (no relation), who served as Coleman's Senate communications director, has now joined the Republican National Committee as director of media affairs. And two weeks ago another top Coleman staffer, campaign manager Cullen Sheehan, became an RNC regional director.

The fact that Sheehan signed up for a new job is pretty telling, even though he'll still be helping out with the Coleman camp. The reason is that Sheehan is the official co-plaintiff, along with Coleman, in the actual ongoing election lawsuit.

Norm himself got a consulting job months ago with the Republican Jewish Coalition, providing him with a source of income.