THE EARMARK

Former Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) came to his senses today in the wake of a unanimous decision by the Minnesota State Supreme Court.  Following the Court’s ruling that Democrat Al Franken’s victories in the general election, recounts, trial motions and judicial panels were all valid and legitimate, Coleman finally found it in his heart to concede defeat in the 2008 election, 239 days after it occurred…

“The Supreme Court has made its decision and I will abide by the results,” Coleman told reporters outside his St. Paul home.

Coleman, appearing relaxed and upbeat, said he had congratulated Franken, was at peace with the decision and had no regrets about the fight, which started almost immediately after the Nov. 4 election.

“Sure I wanted to win,” said Coleman, who called the ruling a surprise. “I thought we had a better case. But the court has spoken.”

And while this concession was actually due almost eight months ago, it’s vastly preferable to a lengthy appeals process and a potential trip to the U.S. Supreme Court, which Coleman chose to waive.

Continuing forward on his own personal calendar, Coleman then departed the press conference to shovel his driveway and shop for a Thanksgiving turkey.