Al Franken Sent $95,000 By Republicans

WASHINGTON — In the last chapter of a stinging loss to now-Sen. Al Franken, Minnesota's Republican Party has sent the Democrat almost $96,000 to cover lawsuit costs.

Republican Party spokesman Mark Drake said a check was sent via courier Monday to Franken's campaign committee. It arrived Tuesday, the same day Franken took his oath for a seat held open during an eight-month recount and court fight.

Minnesota law required Republican Norm Coleman to reimburse Franken for some costs because the election lawsuit didn't change the outcome. The judgment excluded Franken's attorney fees.

The Republican and Democratic parties have each chipped in to help pay candidate legal bills.

The check included $872 in interest that accrued in the month since Coleman was ordered to pay up.

The Minnesota Democrat's swearing-in marked the end of an eight-month political and legal struggle and drew thunderous applause and a standing ovation in the Senate chamber. His presence gives Democrats 60 votes, enough to thwart possible Republican filibusters.

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Comments

[medicinecat]

I used to believe that only conservatives didn't understand satire. Sadly, many progressives are similarly impaired. I look forward to Al Franken bringing some much needed Ironic, intelligent humor to the public scene.

[pissedmichael]

Come on Al. This is getting to be old news. Show us your stuff. Been looking forward to it and supporting your efforts.

[MathIsTruth]

Has the check cleared yet?

[HLL]

After 8 months of criminal obstructionism, it's the least they can do.

[Pablo175]

Who's in the picture with Al and what's wrong with her. She doesn't look well.

[looneybin]

bahahaha that's his wife

[IWantTofu]

they always look that way when they're dragged up on stage in the press interview while the husband confesses to cheating on them. Opps. Wrong politician.

[lvdragonlady]

Why can't the average American get an interest rate like this one? If my calculations are right (always had a problem figuring percentages and stuff) this appears to work out to less then 1%.

[MathIsTruth]

Interest rates are almost always quoted "per year", so Coleman paid at about 11%.

[woodwakr]

Right, which is 12% annually. About the same as a credit card.

[DSOTM]

Like putting salt in a wound.

Good luck Al, we're behind you 100%.

[RightWingMarine]

We should switch the English system of Loser Pays. If a civil suit is brought against someone, whomever loses the case pays all the court costs and attorney fees. This would end overnight frivolous lawsuits when the plantiff is banking on a settlement.

[GranE]

Ginsberg, the lawyer with the snide Cheney grin and architect of the 2000 vote fraud got beat. Kudos to the Franken camp!! Sweet Victory for Minnesota.

[Genep34]

Indeed - Ginsberg is one of the more odious people on the planet.

[Genep34]

He was also the attorney for the Swiftboaters.

[LeeCalif]

eh eh eh eh eh

[Sundialsvc4]

I think that what happened in that case was "extremely wrong," because it denied the People of the State one-half of their lawful representation in the Senate of the United States for six full months. And it's not like it should have taken all that time: it was 100% political, 100% wrong, and once again, contrary to the interests that "all of this Congress stuff" is actually supposed to be about: the People of the State of Minnesota.

[littlechuckie]

Surprized this didn't end up in court.....
BTW - the pipsqueak from St. Paul (who brought hockey back to Minnesota) - well probably running for Gov to replace TPaw. OMG, Loser followed by Loser.

[Kevin Mcnamara]

yeah but hockey is a good thing

[MajorKong]

"Ha! Ha!" - Nelson Muntz

[Beka13]

Maybe Ensign's mommy and daddy can send him the check?

[woodwakr]

oof. good one.

[planetjeffy]

Hopefully this is just a downpayment and Senator Al will make the Pubs keep paying for the next 12 - 24 years.