Race finally ends

Finally the election for Minnesota's contested U.S. Senate race has been decided.

After eight months of recounts and court battles, Republican incumbent Norm Coleman has conceded. He did so Tuesday after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Democrat Al Franken should be certified as the winner.

The race is significant for the nation as well as Minnesota. The addition of Mr. Franken, the former "Saturday Night Live" comedian and liberal commentator, gives the Democrats 60 seats. That is enough to defeat a Republican filibuster if Democrats band together.

Since the Senate is out of session for the July 4 holiday, Mr. Franken cannot be seated until next week at the earliest, according to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

The election was held in early November. It has been a lengthy standoff and a long time for Minnesota to lack full representation.

An earlier concession might have served the state better. But at least Minnesota is up to full strength in the U.S. Senate.