Franken: "I'm Ready To Get To Work" (VIDEO)

(AP) WASHINGTON — Democrat Al Franken has arrived in Washington offering no jokes _ just a promise that he is "ready to get to work."

The former Saturday Night Live performer and satirist made brief remarks after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday. Franken is expected to be sworn in to the Senate on Tuesday after a protracted, eight-month recount, then finally a concession by the Republican incumbent he beat, Norm Coleman.

Franken spoke slowly from a podium in a Senate corridor packed with press. As cameras clicked rapidly in the background, Franken said he wants to be known as Minnesota's second senator, not the 60th Democrat.

He says he will dive in to education, health care and energy issues.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Democrat Al Franken has arrived in Washington offering no jokes _ just a promise that he is "ready get to work."

The former Saturday Night Live performer and satirist made brief remarks after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Monday. Franken is expected to be sworn in to the Senate on Tuesday after a protracted, eight-month recount, then finally a concession by the Republican incumbent he beat, Norm Coleman.

Franken spoke slowly from a podium in a Senate corridor packed with press. As cameras clicked rapidly in the background, Franken said he wants to be known as Minnesota's second senator, not the 60th Democrat.

He says he will dive in to education, health care and energy issues.

Comments

[PerfectSense]

Headline should read:
"I am ready to spent other people's money on programs that don't work. "

[Snerdgronk]

That big b(R)ain you carry 'round must be a "Hell-of-a-Burdon" for you there cents ...

Snerd

[unhhockey]

You must make PerfectSense in your head.

[rabiddog6708]

Not even there. PerfectN0Nsense is the accurate moniker.

[fcsakes]

Oops, slipped an administration there bucko...must have slept through bushie's.

[protagonia]

"... ready to spent..."?

So he has done it already?

[deanimal]

Senator Paul Wellstone you can rest easy now, Minnesota is in good hands again.

[viking1955]

good lord

[Weirdwriter]

Yes, that's who he's with.

[protagonia]

Vikings have a dragon as their Lord.

Do you worship a dragon, Viking1955?

Do you know what the dragon represents in Western culture?

Do you know who else is horned and demands blood?

[white mende man]

Al Franken says he wants to concentrate on the number 2 not number 60, I thought he says he was leaving the jokes behind... that was really funny

[Budokan]

Choke on it, 'Pugs. This is just one more example of how you've reached the molten core of irrelevancy.

Even the Whigs are laughing at you.

http://kennethmarkhoover.com

[Ray Brown]

Good TV would be the Bill OReilly interview with Sen Al Franken...

[joyf1]

Best of luck, Senator Franken. The day has finally arrived, and we're so lucky to have you in the senate.

[viking1955]

you are im not

[SMAckley]

Not if you are an obstructionist. I suppose it's a real problem for the Party of NO. For the rest of the country it's a great day. Franken is highly intelligent and works hard. We need more public servants like him.

[protagonia]

We outnumber you in the many millions.

WE win!

You can see it whatever way you invent.

[PresidentRobertBooth]

So, is O'Reilly going to call him Senator Smalley?

[jpaultel]

Oh, yes! Pay back is a bitch as they say in my neighborhood. This is so sweet. I guess, OReilly is considering a run for the New York Senate seat just to make a point.

[Phxflyer]

And what would that point be? That even famous right wingers like him can lose an election?

[Coltrane1234]

I hope he does, so we can see an attack ad with Bill O'Reilly's sexual harassment suit.

[protagonia]

Please run, bill o! Oh please! What a spectacle it would be.

Yes, yes, run that thing up onto a stage and let it talk.

His tiny mind will snap altogether from it.

There is a God after all.

[Estreet1964]

Hey Al, next time you see Harry, how about telling him to grow a pair.

[tomasedison]

Thank God we finally have Franken in our corner.

[mcantwell]

Finally! Congratulations Senator Franken!

[viking1955]

he stole the election just like grover cleveland

[protagonia]

Admit that GWB also stole the election or you will have zero impact here.

You will simply read as partisan and willing to bend facts to win.

[blah blah blah]

Reid and Franken. What a sorry pair.

[mediamarv]

Jealousy is so last Thursday.

You would do better by joining the Palin crusade.

[Snerdgronk]

Apparently your comment came without 'delay' ...

Snerd

[theblueAmerican]

Palin, What a quitter!

[protagonia]

Seconded on Reid.

No comment yet on Franken.

Always suspicious when the individual comes under heavy fire when only starting. Hold your cards for a moment. Let the man get unpacked first.

[ATLiberal]

In honor of "The Clown" as Senator Inhoffe so dismissively labeled Senator Franken, I have linked to a list of 100 + REAL clowns and their misdeeds. And this list is not even up to date, as it hasn't got John Ensign or Mark Sanford on it. Enjoy:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/political%20Tiger/72

[bayside]

You change them them dont let them change you......We have very very few real progressives in congress..For so long they have tried every which way to keep us out ,putting in republican moles and republicans.. Shake them up..

[CharmiO]

'bout time! Where the heck's he been? The election was freakin' last November!

JUST KIDDING!!!!!

Congratulations, Al.
I'm thrilled!!!!!

[helpusa]

He may not always vote with the Democrats but I think he will help push through the Health Care Reform, and that would be a great thing.
Hope he is a great Senator and thank goodness this is over. Congratulations Minnesota.