Al Franken wins senate seat.

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday declared democrat Al Franken as the winner of Minnesota's disputed U.S. Senate seat over Republican Norm Coleman.

"I congratulate Al Franken" on his victory, Coleman said at a news conference outside his home in St. Paul. "Sure I wanted to win," the Republican said, though he said further litigation would damage the state's unity.

Coleman has said in published reports he is unlikely to appeal the state court's decision to the federal courts. Under state law, the court's decision gives Franken the right to occupy the seat, which has been up for grabs since last November's election.

With Franken in the senate, the democrats will have a 60-seat majority they need to overcome procedural obstacles and push through their agenda.

Franken was previously a comedian and appeared regularly on "Saturday Night Live" and wrote for the comedy show.