June 30, 2009 11:09 PM UTC

Coleman Concedes Defeat To Franken

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• by: Colorado Pols

Just now breaking, former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman will concede defeat to challenger Al Franken following a unanimous state Supreme Court decision declaring Franken the winner. This ends a nearly eight-month court battle for the seat and brings the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate to the “magic” sixty votes needed to move legislation without partisan encumberance–at least that’s the theory. From the Star-Tribune:

Republican Norm Coleman ended a bruising eight-month court fight court today, conceding to Democrat Al Franken after the Minnesota Supreme Court said he was entitled to the office.

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled today that Democrat Al Franken won the U.S. Senate election and said he is entitled to an election certificate that would lead to him being seated in the Senate.

“Affirmed,” wrote the justices, unanimously rejecting Republican Norm Coleman’s claims that inconsistent practices by local elections officials and wrong decisions by a lower court had denied him victory.