Julian E. Zelizer
Special to CNN
Democrats are elated because Sen. Al Franken, former comedian and radio host, is finally coming to town. The gates of political heaven seemed to open when former Sen. Norm Coleman finally conceded.
During his much awaited victory speech, the senator-elect said that "I am not going to waste this chance."
With that statement, Franken started his senatorial career with an important message to his colleagues. Without any doubt, 60 votes in the filibuster-happy Senate is a lot better than 59.
| Annie Kate |
July 7th, 2009 6:41 pm ET The Democrats need to get busy not only to take advantage of the position they now hold but because the American people need them to get some legislation passed – legislation that probably wouldn't get passed if they lose their majority status. I'd like to see some action and less talk. |
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| RLWellman |
July 7th, 2009 7:32 pm ET If you want to spend more money, you had better do it before the senator and congressmen re-elections. America is getting tired of all the money being spent and no help for the middle class. |
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| Lampe |
July 7th, 2009 7:33 pm ET Yes, by all means hurry up and pass another Stimulus Bill. I mean after all they said we needed to first one or the unemployment rate would rise to 8%. Seems to me that the unemployment rate is now above 9%. What happened Obama and Democrats, something went wrong, and guess what this is not something you can blame on The Republicans. |
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| Marc |
July 7th, 2009 7:35 pm ET The Franken victory was long delayed. There is a need to address the disruption in the delay of seating Frankin. It's 9 months since the election and important issues have been addessed without his participtation. I would make the same argument for a Republican victor. After the debacle of the 2000 presidential election we continue to allow drawn out questionable challenges that undermine our elective process. That stolen election will remain a stain in American history. I am glad that the Democrats have theit 60 votes. Hopefully our sitting President will be better able to address the serious problems of the war, health care, the economy, and the need for accountability of the Bush Administration. Its time to move forward and take a hard look at policies that allow an undermining of our elective process. |
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