Al Franken Wins Minnesota Senate Race
July 1st, 2009
Remember that election back in November 2008, the one where Barack Obama became President? Ancient history, right? Well there was also a very close senate race in Minnesota that was only resolved yesterday (June 30th). It was between incumbent Norm Coleman and Al Franken of Saturday Night Live fame. After a recount, ballot challenges, and multiple court appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court has certified Franken as the winner, by 312 votes out of 2.8 million cast.
This is an important event for US politics, because it gives Senate Democrats the 60 votes needed to override a Republican filibuster. Thus, the Democrats no longer have to compromise with the Republicans and can pass whatever laws they desire.
I just find it amazing how several highly significant elections in the past decade have been decided by a few hundred votes out of millions.
Link #1: http://www.reuters.com/…
Link #2: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/…
(via digg)
