Senator Al Franken? 49-Vote Lead for Democrat Al Franken

Lesson learned: Every vote does count! Democrat Al Franken is ahead of Republican Norm Coleman by a slim margin of 49 votes for the Senate seat in Minnesota. According to the Wall Street Journal, about 1,350 absentee ballots remain to be counted. Al Franken may be very close to winning a Senate seat. President Elect Obama certainly hopes Franken wins.

Al Franken made the following statement about the recount on his website: "Today the state canvassing board completed an important step in this process. I'm glad to be ahead, and as it appears that we're on track to win, I want Minnesotans to know that I'm ready to get to work for them in Washington on Day One."

Norm Coleman is contesting the accuracy of the recount. Minnesota's Canvassing Board will soon certify the vote total as the recount is completed. The Senate does then have the option of seating the winner declared by the Canvassing Board.

The Senate race may be soon moving to Minnesota's Supreme Court. Norm Coleman does not seem likely to accept defeat any time soon.

Earlier in the campaign Barack Obama told WCCO Radio in Minnesota "Your candidate in Minnesota, Al Franken, is going to be an important part of a coalition that brings about change. He's really, I think, in this to fight for working families. I'm looking forward to seeing him serve in the Senate."

Al Franken's stands on issues key to improving America will help him be a strong addition to the Senate. He wants to bring troops home from Iraq. He wants to improve public education by ensuring smaller class size, well maintained schools, adequate supplies, and increasing teacher pay. Franken also supports an immediate switch to universal health care to ensure all Americans receive the medical care they need. Franken also wants to ensure veterans have health care provided for life. Franken also urges America to work to end dependence on foreign oil.

Al Franken will bring a strong sense of energy and strong ideas to the Senate. Let's hope the Senate decides to seat him upon the final tally of the recount. It is almost two months past election day. It is time for Minnesota to seat their new member of the Senate.

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