Franken wins DFL endorsement

Al Franken wasted no time taking on Republican Sen. Norm Coleman after winning DFL endorsement on the first ballot, despite weeks of bad press over his tax problems and questions about his past writings . 

"On issue after issue he hasn’t brought people together to get things done," Franken said of the incumbent in his victory speech. "He’s sold people out to get ahead."

Franken vowed to work tirelessly to win back the Senate seat that was previously held by Paul Wellstone. "I’m not a perfect person and I’m not going to attempt to have all the answers," Franken told delegates to the party’s state convention in Rochester. "But I’ll tell the truth. I will keep my spine. And I will work for you."

Saturday’s balloting turned out to be anti-climactic: The radio host and comedian garnered support from 62 percent of delegates, just over the threshold required for party backing.

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, who received support from 35 percent of voters, immediately conceded, and the party faithful endorsed Franken by acclamation. The strong show of support from delegates comes as Franken’s campaign has battled weeks of bad press over his tax problems and questions about his past writings. Attorney Mike Ciresi, who dropped out of the race in March, has repeatedly stated that he is considering re-entering the contest.