Franken Visits White House
Minnesota Democrat Al Franken visited the White House Wednesday afternoon to speak with Vice President Joseph Biden.According to a press release from his campaign, Franken updated Biden on the recount and discussed the administration’s agenda. Franken is in the midst of legal battle with Republican Norm Coleman, who is challenging the Democrat’s 2008 Senate recount victory. A special recount court ruled Franken the victor last month, but Coleman is appealing that decision to the state Supreme Court in a trial that is scheduled to begin on June 1. Following the meeting, Biden said the upcoming ruling by the court should be the final word on the matter. “Once the Minnesota Supreme Court has issued its final ruling in this case, the President and I look forward to working with Mr. Franken on building an economy for the 21st century,— Biden said in a statement.Senate Democratic leaders have indicated they will also wait to try to seat Franken until after the court has issued a ruling. Republicans, however, have threatened to filibuster Franken’s seating. Senate Republicans and Coleman’s campaign have not ruled out an appeal to the federal Supreme Court. Keith Koffler contributed to this report.