Coleman’s not senator anymore — and neither is Franken (yet?)

We take a moment to note that Norm Coleman’s term as Republican U.S. senator from Minnesota — which began in early 2003, just weeks after the untimely death of the man he challenged, U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone — came to an end today at noon. (The Pioneer Press has the particulars.) The moment passed without ceremony at the state office building that’s the site of current activity in the statewide recount, where Coleman’s lawyers pressed on to prevent the ascension of the man who challenged him, Democrat Al Franken, to the seat once occupied by their client. Franken, who by some analyses looks likely to be certified by the State Canvassing Board early next week, would have to overcome Republican resistance to be sworn in with the rest of Congress on Tuesday.