The big interest groups are already starting to react to the big news from Minnesota, where Al Franken’s victory in the 2008 Senate race has just been reaffirmed by the state Supreme Court. The Change to Win labor federation came out with this statement, calling for Franken to be seated:
WASHINGTON, DC — Change to Win chair and SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger issued the following statement on today’s decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court that Al Franken is entitled to a certificate of election as Minnesota’s next U.S. Senator:
“Now that the Minnesota Supreme Court has made its final ruling, it is time to recognize Al Franken as the duly elected Senator from Minnesota. As is appropriate after any extremely close election, Minnesotans took the time to conduct an extensive and thorough recount process, but now that all reasonable legal options have been exhausted, Minnesota deserves its full representation in Congress. We call on Governor Pawlenty to pursue the state’s best interests and end this contest instead of favoring those who would allow the recount to continue for purely partisan reasons.
“During the election, Senator-elect Franken made clear he will work hard to rebuild our economy through real healthcare reform and the Employee Free Choice Act, as well as tackling the long-term challenges we face on the environment, keeping college education affordable and fixing our broken immigration system. Working families need him in the United States Senate to help restore the economy, rebuild the middle class and renew the American Dream for all workers.”
Today’s decision begins the last chapter in a story that began almost two years ago when then-candidate Al Franken walked a day in the shoes of nursing home worker and SEIU member Ulysses Bridges. During the 2008 election, Change to Win affiliates and members knocked on more than 85,000 doors, made more than 100,000 phone calls and sent 265,000 pieces of direct mail to targeted Minnesota households on the importance of access to quality affordable healthcare, jobs and economic justice. Members also held rallies, house parties and other earned media events throughout the election to complement the one-on-one work done in the community.
