franken-hedAl Franken really did win the election for U.S. Senate in Minnesota last November. That’s the decision of the three judges who heard former Sen. Norm Coleman’s lawsuit challenging Franken’s recount victory.

“Franken is entitled to receive the certificate of election,” states the order signed by Judges Denise Reilly, Elizabeth Hayden and Kurt Marben, who comprised the special three-judge panel that heard the election contest that Coleman brought. (Coleman says he’ll appeal their decision to the state Supreme Court.)

Here’s the pdf of the court order; here’s a quote from it:

The overwhelming weight of the evidence indicates that the November 4, 2008 election was conducted fairly, impartially, and accurately. … After seven weeks of trial, the factual record is devoid of any allegations of fraud, tampering, or security breaches on Election Day, during the recount process, or during the election contest.

Update: Franken: ‘I will be certified’