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Coleman Concedes to Franken

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 30, 2009 3:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – Norm Coleman isn't going to drag out Minnesota's Senate fight any longer. Coleman conceded the race to Al Franken today, hours after the state's Supreme Court decreed that Democrat Franken was the rightful winner of November's election, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "Further litigation damages the unity of our state," said Coleman. "The future today is that we have a new United States senator."

Coleman said he called Franken to congratulate him. "I told him it's the best job he will ever have." The former senator said he's not sure yet what he'll do in the future. Franken will give Democrats their long-sought 60th seat in the Senate, enough to overcome Republican filibusters. A spokesman for Majority Leader Harry Reid says Franken could be seated next week, after the holiday.

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

Norm Coleman, in a file photo from earlier this month. (Jim Mone)

Al Franken, in a file photo from April. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig, FILE)

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Norm Coleman's concession. (YouTube)

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