Minn. Supreme Court upholds Franken victory

30 June 2009 @ 03:24 pm EDT

Minnesota's Supreme Court upheld a ruling on Tuesday declaring Democratic candidate Al Franken as the winner of the state's U.S. Senate seat, beating incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman in last November's election.

US Democratic senatorial candidate and Saturday Night Live comedian Al Franken (DFL-MN) speak to reporters after a three-judge panel dismisses Franken's opponent, former incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman's (R-MN) attempt to reverse Franken's lead in a vote recount, outside his home in Minneapolis, April 13, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT)

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With the state's highest court upholding the win, Coleman could choose to pursue an appeal to a federal court.

"We affirm the decision of the trial court that Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled ... to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota," the Court stated in its opinion, released to the web.

There were 2.9 million cast ballots in the November general election and 300,000 who voted or attempted to vote by absentee ballot, the court stated.

The trial court found that Franken won by 312 votes.

See the complete ruling below: