Senator Al Franken

Al Franken is in the House, 'er the Senate.

I'd like to say better late than never, but for almost 250 days, the state of Minnesota remained under-represented, short-shrifted a vote while the courts pried a certain someone's death grip off his previously held Senate seat.

All post-election ugliness aside, the highly contested race between Franken and opponent Norm Coleman is now one for the history books. The swearing-in of the most junior Senator filibuster-proofs the Democratic majority with an all-important 60th vote.

For Coleman--who conceded the loss of his Senate seat to Franken last week--an opportunity left otherwise unconsidered is all the talk among those who call the Land of 10,000 Lakes home.

Coleman is reportedly mulling about a 2010 run for Governor. (Of Minnesota, although Alaska is up for grabs in a couple of years....PLENTY of time to establish residency, Norm).

"It is easy to criticize, particularly in a political season. But to lead is something altogether different. The leader must live in the real world of the price that might be paid for the goal that has been set."

Wise words spoken by...

...none other than Norm Coleman himself. The interpretation of his remarks, I'll leave up to you.

And with that, Election 2008 is officially over.

Onward and forward.