The Contrarian

[BREAKING: NORM COLEMAN CONCEDES; BLOG POST PARTIALLY INVALIDATED!]

For the Official Contrarian Record: Al Franken — the former SNL star best known for his “daily affirmation”-spouting character Stuart Smalley — has (finally) been declared by the Minnesota Supreme Court the victor in the drawn out battle with soon-to-be-ex Senator Norm Coleman. The New York Times:

Gov. Tim Pawlenty had indicated as late as Monday that he was willing to certify Mr. Franken as the winner once the state’s highest court decided the recount and Mr. Coleman’s battle. On CNN on Sunday, Mr. Pawlenty said: “I’m prepared to sign it as soon as they give the green light.”

But does anyone expect Coleman to just lay down and concede at this point? I sure as hell don’t — not while there’s still more legal avenues to exploit!

Asked what he would do if Mr. Coleman decided to appeal to the federal courts, as had been mentioned before this ruling, Mr. Pawlenty added: “A federal court could stay or put a limit on or stop the effect of the state court ruling. If they chose, if they do that, I would certainly follow their direction. But if that doesn’t happen promptly or drags out for any period of time, then we need to move ahead with signing this, particularly if I’m ordered to do that by the state court.”

Some legal experts already are pointing out that the Minnesota Supreme Court did not issue a specific directive ordering Governor Pawlenty to sign the certificate. And there is, according to legal experts, a rehearing period of 10 days, under the Minnesota judges’ ruling.

But it’s time for Coleman and the GOP to  face the practical reality that Franken is the Democrats’ “magic 60th vote.” Filibuster, that, m-effers!