Franken sworn in as Minn. senator

WASHINGTON (AP) — Al Franken became a senator Tuesday, completing the transformation from comedian to politician.

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.

Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath to Franken, slapped the former “Saturday Night Live” performer on the back, then embraced him in a full hug. Former Vice President Walter Mondale, a Minnesota native and former senator, accompanied Franken, and he was introduced by fellow Minnesotan and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

“I think it was Al who told me that the third year of his campaign would be the best,” Klobuchar said. “He was right.”

Last week the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Franken’s favor after a protracted recount battle. His opponent, former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, conceded shortly after the ruling.

In the staid Senate, there were plenty of signs something unusual was afoot. The Senate Gallery, rarely full even with dozens of summer tours, was packed with onlookers. After Franken took the oath of the Senate, the gallery erupted in a round of applause that continued for several minutes.

Before the swearing-in, Franken learned one truism of the Senate: Nothing ever runs quite on time. Several senators read lengthy remarks from a Homeland Security bill as anticipation built for his arrival. Franni Franken, his wife, smiled broadly and seemed to shift nervously in her seat in the gallery.

Then, about 15 minutes later than scheduled, Klobuchar began her introduction. She said Franken would be a champion of average Minnesotans and played up his middle-class bona fides.

“He’s demonstrated to Minnesotans that he takes his new job seriously,” she said.

She added that he carried “the same passion as Paul Wellstone,” the late Democratic senator who had been famous for his populist roots. Franken took the oath on a Bible that belonged to the Wellstone family.

Franken exchanged hugs with most of his Democratic colleagues and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent.

He acknowledged a section of the Senate Gallery, waving to his wife and children while behind him his friend Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, gestured with his hands to raise the roof, prompting a fresh burst of cheers.