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Home | Politically Connected | National Politics | U.S. Senate
Franken: ' Very confident we'll prevail'
"I'll be going to Washington soon," he said at a Minneapolis Earth Day rally.
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Al Franken said today he's "very confident we'll prevail" in his battle with Norm Coleman over Minnesota's vacant U.S. Senate seat.
In his first public appearance since a three-judge panel declared him the winner of the Senate race, the Democrat said he's "looking forward to get to work in Washington."
Appearing at an Earth Day rally in Minneapolis this morning, Franken told a crowd of several hundred: "I'll be going to Washington soon and will tell my colleagues that Minnesotans are ready to do their share of the work" to protect the environment.
Franken said he expects to be certified the winner of the most protracted Senate race in state history after the state Supreme Court rules on Coleman's appeal of the judges' ruling.
Supporters of Coleman, the former Republican holder of the seat, have urged him to take his fight if necessary into the federal courts, which could extend the proceedings for months. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who must certify the winner of the race, has indicated he might hold off until any federal court process is resolved.
"I'm very certain the governor will do the right thing," Franken told reporters. "I know the governor will adhere to the law."
Introducing Franken, Clean Water Action executive director Ken Bradley referred to him as "Senator-elect Al Franken."
Before he spoke to the crowd, Franken participated in a series of mass "wellness" calisthenics that were captured by a gaggle of video cameras.
"I'm sure we'll see Al Franken on Fox News tonight in some weird way," Bradley said.
Bob von Sternberg • 612-673-7184
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