Franken declares victory

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Democrat Al Franken declared victory in the U.S. Senate race over incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. Franken's announcement came a few hours after the state's canvassing board certified election recount results that put Franken on top by 225 votes. To read a transcript of what Franken said, go to this New York Times story. Franken did not answer questions from reporters following his brief speech.

Meanwhile, Coleman campaign attorney Tony Trimble released a statement saying the campaign plans to file legal action within 24 hours to contest the results. In his statement, he says there can be "no confidence" in the canvassing board's decision and mentions 133 ballots that the campaign alleges were double counted.

Earlier today, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied the Coleman campaign's request to have some additional improperly rejected absentee ballots counted.

Coleman's term as U.S. senator officially ended on Saturday.