Top Minn. Court Says Franken Won Senate Race; Coleman Concedes

Democrat Al Franken edged out his Republican opponent in a hard-fought election for a U.S. Senate seat by 312 votes, the Minnesota Supreme Court decided today in a unanimous ruling expected to give the Democratic party a solid 60-seat majority.

After the court's decision, incumbent Norm Coleman conceded the race, reports the Associated Press.

Initially, Coleman was reported to have a razor-thin lead when the ballots in the November 2008 election were first tallied, recounts Reuters. A total of about 2.4 million votes were cast.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he will certify the candidate found by the court to be the election winner.

Additional coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Al Franken Outspends Opponent on Legal Fees by 6-1"