For Al Franken, it has been a long road from radio provocateur who nearly incited fisticuffs at the 2004 Republican convention to standing on the brink of assuming his place in Washington as a U.S. senator.
The former "Saturday Night Live" writer, left wing radio host and author stood outside his Minneapolis condo on Tuesday reflecting on the new role, made possible by the Minnesota Supreme Court that declared him the victor in his protracted race against Republican incumbent Norm Coleman.
"I'm committed to being a voice for all Minnesotans in the U.S. Senate," Franken said, acknowledging the closeness of the race in which he finished ahead by 312 votes. "I can hit the ground -- if not running -- trotting," he said.
Franken said he is likely to travel to Washington early next week, after attending holiday parades on the Iron Range as scheduled over the weekend.
So the improbable journey from entertainer to U.S. senator continues. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the earliest Franken could be seated will be next week, when the Senate returns from its July 4th recess.
"I think the hardest part of any transition is the stuff you didn't know would be the hardest part," Franken joked, his wife, Franni, at his side.
Shortly after learning of the Supreme Court decision, Franken said he received a telephone call from Reid and was given his committee assignments: Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Judiciary; Indian Affairs; and Aging.
Franken, who tempered his humor and invective during the campaign, has waited in subdued limbo since November, aware of the danger posed to his public image if he presumed victory. But in the meantime he has hired a Minnesota state director and has workers ready in Washington, including a chief of staff. He has also worked to erase an escalating campaign and legal bill that could top $24 million. Most days, his office was his condo, where he spent time going over briefing books and meeting potential constituents.
