DFL Party Congratulates Al Franken on Victory in Senate Race
Party calls for full representation for Minnesota in Senate
St. Paul (January 5, 2009) — After the State Canvassing Board certified this afternoon that Al Franken received more votes in the November 4, 2008 general election than former Senator Norm Coleman, the Minnesota DFL Party released this statement from Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt:
“We heartily congratulate Senator-elect Franken on his election to the Senate, now that the final tally has been certified and shows that that he received the most votes. We are also happy for Minnesotans, who are gaining in Al Franken a senator who will fight day in and day out alongside President-elect Obama for real change in Washington and real relief for the middle class.
“The recount has been run with exemplary fairness, transparency and integrity — and now it has run its course. Minnesotans, who can be proud of the process that concluded today, are ready to put the hard-fought election behind them and put our elected officials, including Senator-elect Franken, to work in solving the many crises that face our new president and our nation.
“Now that Al Franken has been certified the winner of the Senate race, it would be unfair to Minnesotans for him not to be seated as soon as possible, especially at this critical time. Minnesotans have a right to full representation in the United States Senate and have a right to expect that Al Franken, the clear winner of the Senate race, will be seated as soon as possible. We deserve no less and can afford no less.”
