(CNN) - Minnesota's Supreme Court has dismissed former Sen. Norm Coleman's challenge to the state's November election results and declared Democratic challenger Al Franken the winner.
The unanimous opinion ruled that Franken "received the highest number of votes legally cast" and is entitled "to receive the certificate of election as United States senator from the state of Minnesota."
The former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer had declared victory in the disputed race after a recount ended in January, but Coleman - a Republican who had been seeking a second six-year term - went to court to challenge those results.
Coleman still could attempt to take the challenge to federal courts, but Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, told CNN on Sunday that he would sign Franken's election certificate if the Supreme Court ordered it.
Updated: 2:25 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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So now it goes to the SCOTUS, right?
Yay, 60
Finally.
I'm sure CNN is really happy about that but don't be surprised if this ends up before the Supreme Court.
It's about time.
Now it's all on the Democrat's backs. No more whining about Republican obstructionism. Now the public can reap what they have sown.
We,are DOOMED now Franklin in the Senate and Democrats filibuster proof
Well that didn't take looooong at all!
Its about time!
Coleman is a first class hypocrite. Expect nothing less.
My oldest child just moved to MN a month ago, glad to hear she will be well represented by Franken.
Finally...it's about time. I feel sorry for the people who didn't vote for Al, but this whole thing could have been avoided months ago.
Congrats to the state of Minnesota for finally seating their man.
Obama/Biden 2012
well,theres another big lib that going to contribute to this countrys down fall,Obama and the like our destroying this countries future for the children of today and tomorrow,we should have counted all the votes
This is Democracy, I hope Iran, Honduras, Haiti and all of the power grabbers in the world are learning something.
And republicans will continue to waste tax payer money and take this to the US Supreme court...idiots
Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes........time for Norm Coleman to go jump in one of them.
Woooooooooow.... Good Day 4 all Minnesotans....... with out doubt now our Next Senetor will be Al
Ahhhh......taste the bitter sweet victory!
Democrats are going to need that vote if they're going to pass health care with a public option. Probably even more important for the climate bill.
Congratulations Senator Franken. I'm sure the republicans will try an appeal, just hope the citizens of Minnesota denounce it as political posturing, and let Senator Franken get to work. It has been long enough.
Congratulations Al! It's about time.
Now you can focus on your job, instead of battling a petulant loser.
Its about time the people of Minnesota got their full complement of senators seated. Norm Coelaman's actions show he's not interested in the state as nuch as he is interested in what is good for Norm Coleman.
If Republicans have any self-respect and the federalist principles they parade while campaigning, they will accept this and will NOT appeal at the federal level.
Great news! It's about time!
The Minnesota supreme court took a ridiculous amount of time to make what was an obvious decision.
About time