"I will be going to Washington very soon" Senator-elect Franken

In his first public appearance since a three-judge panel declared him the winner of the Senate race, the Democrat said he's "looking forward to get to work in Washington."

Appearing at an Earth Day rally in Minneapolis this morning, Franken told a crowd of several hundred: "I'll be going to Washington soon and will tell my colleagues that Minnesotans are ready to do their share of the work" to protect the environment.

Franken said he expects to be certified the winner of the most protracted Senate race in state history after the state Supreme Court rules on Coleman's appeal of the judges' ruling.

Supporters of Coleman, the former Republican holder of the seat, have urged him to take his fight if necessary into the federal courts, which could extend the proceedings for months. Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who must certify the winner of the race, has indicated he might hold off until any federal court process is resolved.

"I'm very certain the governor will do the right thing," Franken told reporters. "I know the governor will adhere to the law."



More including video at: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/43424307.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DU

Meanwhile Coleman asks for more time:

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/43429282.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUxWoW_oD:EaDUiacyKUnciaec8O7EyUr


Norm Coleman today proposed a slower schedule for his election appeal than Al Franken wants, asking that oral arguments in the case be held no sooner than mid-May.

In a document filed this morning with the state Supreme Court, Coleman's lawyers asked to have until April 30 to file their opening brief. They would give Franken's lawyers about 10 days to submit their brief, and then would plan to file their reply by May 15.