A Minnesota court panel ruled last night that Democrat Al Franken beat Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in the long-fought contest for a Senate seat and said the comic turned politician should be certified as the winner.
The contest, however, is far from over. Mr Coleman has already said he would appeal the widely anticipated ruling to the Minnesota Supreme Court and possibly to federal courts.
It may be months before the Senate knows if Democrats will control a crucial 59th seat in the body, strengthening their chances of putting together a controlling 60-vote stake to cut off debate.
"I am honoured and humbled by this close victory, and I'm looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible," said Mr Franken.
The ruling from a three-judge panel of state court judges who examined absentee votes in question said Mr Franken had won and should be certified.
The panel concluded its work last week after finding Mr Franken had a 312-vote lead. But Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty has said he would not certify a state winner until all legal challenges are exhausted.
Some experts have said it could be the end of this summer before the issue is resolved.
Mr Coleman, seeking a second term, held a razor-thin lead after the November election over Mr Franken, a well known satirist and former writer and actor for the popular Saturday Night Livetelevision show.
But a recount of the 2.4 million votes cast gave Mr Franken a 225-vote lead. That result was challenged in court by Mr Coleman and hundreds of previously rejected absentee ballots were added to the tally, resulting in yesterday’s decision.
Reuters