Desroko on 30 June 2009
Nearly eight months after losing to Al Franken, former Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) conceded defeat after the Supreme Court of Minnesota unanimously rejected his claims. He had previously said he would appeal to the federal courts, and continue to deny Minnesota its constitutionally-mandated representation in the Senate.
Al Franken becomes the 100th member of the Senate, and crucially, the 60th member of the Democratic coalition. He'll be a reliably Democratic vote on most, if not all, issues, so the Dems now have an extra vote to break filibusters and pass their agenda. When the Senate returns to work, both sides are going to find the playing field looking much different.
