ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that Democrat Al Franken be certified as the winner of the state’s long-running Senate race.

The high court rejected a legal challenge from Republican Norm Coleman, whose options for regaining the Senate seat are dwindling.

Justices said Franken is entitled to the election certificate he needs to assume office. With Franken and the usual backing of two independents, Democrats will have a big enough majority to overcome Republican filibusters.

Coleman accepted the loss shortly after the decision was announced, saying he had few regrets.

“The Supreme Court has made its decision and I will abide by the results,” Coleman told reporters outside his St. Paul home.

“In these tough times we all need to focus on the future, and the future is that we have a new United States senator,” Coleman said.

Franken graciously embraced his victory at a press conference with his wife by his side. (Source)

Couple things about this:

1.  About fucking time.  I understand that this process was necessary to ensure the voters of Minnesota were actually represented, but 3 – 4 months ago it was pretty obvious that Franken won this thing.  I think the real problem came down to….

2. Norm Coleman needs to give up politics.  So far Norm’s lost to former WWF wrestler Jesse the Body Ventura and now to the guy who played Stuart Smalley on SNL (among other things).  That along with the knowledge that his lost gives Democrats a super majority of 60 votes…I can see why Norm held on so long.  Listen, Norm…maybe politics ain’t for you?  You’re like a Major League pitcher who keeps getting home runs hit on you by little leaguers.   You know, in some odd twist of irony, I feel that since November 4th, Norm has been waking up every morning, sitting in front of his mirror and saying:  I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!