Hurrah for Al Franken!

Today came the happy news that the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Al Franken is the winner of the 2008 Senate race in Minnesota, and should be certified. Governor Pawlenty signed the certificate, so all that is left to do is for Al to be sworn in when the Senate reconvenes. After six months, the Senate will finally have a full 100 senators, and the Democrats will have 58 senators -- with the two independents who generally vote with the Democrats, that will give them the 60 vote supermajority the Senate is currently requiring for passage of legislation, and without any Republicans.

I am thrilled that Al Franken will be in the Senate. It almost makes me want to move back to Minnesota. Al may not be liked or trusted by everyone, but he is a Paul Wellstone disciple. And Paul Wellstone believed in two things: grassroots organization to win, and being honest and respectful to his constituents. Paul Wellstone had the respect of Minnesotans because of that dedication. He always put the good of the state before the good of the party, and that's how it should be.

Al Franken will take that kind of sensibility into his office, and I think he will represent Minnesotans well.

Now I just hope, as many Democrats do, that the Democrats will stop being so milquetoast and will aggressively institute President Obama's agenda. To continue to do things the same way they've been done for years is foolish. The 2008 election sent what should be a clear message that the average American, outside the Beltway, wants things done differently. President Obama wants to create a leaner, more efficient government. The Republicans don't like it, because they are the ones who should have done that and didn't. They are in recovery, protective mode, and not thinking about what is best for the country and for the people. That has to be the Democrats' job now. the Republicans will complain about not having their say, but the reality is: the minority has never had unlimited ability to control the Congress, and that is one thing that shouldn't change.

So, hurrah for Al Franken! Now let's see some real change.