Senate Democrats urge Minn. governor to certify that Franken has won Coleman’s Senate seat

Senate Democrats to Pawlenty: certify Franken

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats are urging Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty to certify Democrat Al Franken’s election to the Senate following the state Supreme Court’s ruling that the former Saturday Night Live comedian defeated GOP incumbent Norm Coleman.

Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday that Pawlenty should respect the votes of his constituents and his state’s highest court. Coleman and the governor did not immediately return calls seeking comment on the ruling.

Pawlenty has said he would sign the certificate if ordered to do so by the court. With Franken in the Senate and the usual backing of two independents, Democrats would have a big enough majority to overcome Republican filibusters.

Coleman hasn’t ruled out seeking federal court intervention.