Three Judge Panel Rules Al Franken Minnesota Winner

On Monday, the panel dismissed Coleman's lawsuit. In their unanimous decision, the panel said:

“The overwhelming weight of the evidence indicates that the Nov. 4, 2008, election was conducted fairly, impartially and accurately."

Al Franken said the following at a press conference:

"The court said that I should be certified. The three-judge panel said I was the winner of this election. And I would love to be certified in ten days. And I call on Senator Coleman to allow me to get to work for the people of Minnesota as soon as possible.

"It has been more than five months since Election Day. And more than three months since the winner of this election was supposed to be sworn in to go to work for the people of Minnesota. This long delay in the seating of Minnesota's second U.S. Senator has come at a time when our state badly needs help from Washington. Since Election Day, Minnesota has lost 56,000 jobs. Since Election Day more than 9,000 Minnesota families have lost their homes to foreclosure."

Norm Coleman has 10 days to appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court. I figure his paperwork will be submitted by tomorrow. I also figure this won't be complete until the battle reaches the U.S. Supreme Court.