Senator Franken

We've all known this was coming for months:

Former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman conceded Tuesday to Democrat Al Franken, after the Supreme Court ruled that Franken should be certified the winner of November's Senate race.

"I just had a conversation with Al Franken congratulating him on his victory," Coleman told reporters, outside his home in St. Paul. "The Supreme Court of Minnesota has spoken. I respect its decision and I will abide by its result."

He said he has no "regrets" about his months-long legal challenge but that he no longer wants to press it.

Democrats are undoubtedly rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of a super majority in the Senate. However, neither Senator Kennedy nor Senator Byrd appear to be in shape to cast any important votes, so even with full Dem support they'll be two votes shy of stopping filibusters.

And on an issue like cap-and-trade and nationalized health care, there are a number of Dem senators that won't support it.