Democrat Al Franken, whose Senate ambitions remain stalled by a slow-going recount case in Minnesota, has not let legal proceedings stop him from weighing in on President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court pick.

In a statement released Tuesday, Franken congratulated federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor “on her history-making nomination to the Supreme Court.—

While the Minnesota Supreme Court won’t begin considering the recount case between Franken and ex-Sen. Norm Coleman (R) until next week, Franken indicated he will be sworn in as a freshman Senator in time to vote on the high court nomination. The Senate is expected to vote on the pick before the August recess.

“Confirming a Supreme Court Justice is among the most important responsibilities the Senate has, and I take that responsibility very seriously,— Franken said in the statement. “I look forward to joining my colleagues as we examine Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications carefully before confirmation.—