Al Franken's victory speech

by: The Big E

Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 17:41:24 PM CDT

Al Franken stood in front of his house in Minneapolis alongside his wife Franni and declared victory for a second time.

"I'm thrilled and honored and humbled by the enormity of this responsibility," said Senator-Elect Franken.  "Earlier today I received a very gracious call from former Senator Norm Coleman.  We talked about how it's been a very hard fought race.  I said that it couldn't have been closer.  He told me this will be the best job that I've ever had."

Al speculated that he'd be flying to Washington, DC early next week to be sworn in.  This will probably actually happen as MN Governor Tim Pawlenty stated between the Norm and Al press conferences that he will sign the election certificate later tonight.

"As the whole nation watched, we've seen the most transparent, thorough election," he said.  He complimented the election officials who made it all possible.

Al said that he'd be sitting on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee as well as Judiciary, Indian Affairs and Aging.  He said he specifically asked for Indian Affairs and commented that Aging would mesh well with the Health and Labor Committee assignment.

Al has been traveling back and forth from Washington, DC during the lengthy recount, trial and while awaiting a ruling from the MN Supreme Court.  

"I've pretty well staffed up in DC and here in MN," he said.  "I guess I hope to hit the ground trotting.

He noted that there is a huge difference between getting briefings on what's going on and actually being there.

He also warned that his role as the 60th Senator isn't all that significant because of all the Democrats who often vote with the Republicans.  "I consider myself the second Senator for Minnesota."

Congratulations, Al!