The last time Al Franken took the oath of office it was after an eight month odyssey of recounts and court challenges. Minnesota went six months without a second senator in 2009 as former Senator Norm Coleman’s term expired in January.
This time the weather was much colder than that July 7, 2009 day, but Sen. Franken was much more relaxed as Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath of office. In 2014 Franken won re-election by a huge margin compared to his 312 vote victory in 2008.
He reminded Biden of that just before he took the oath, remarking that they hadn’t done this for “five-and-a-half years.” Franken was joined by his family for the ceremony and picture taking.
Biden’s Limo ride and Franken’s statement
Franken’s office issued the following statements in a press release:
“I’m grateful to the people of Minnesota for giving me the opportunity to serve a second term as their Senator,” said Sen. Franken. “I’m ready to keep fighting for middle-class families, and for families aspiring to be in the middle class.
“Just as I looked for opportunities to work across the aisle during my first term, I’m hopeful that we can continue to find areas of agreement. But I also know that there will be times when I need to stand my ground.
“We have a lot that needs to get done this year. And while the political landscape in Washington may have changed, my values haven’t, and neither has my commitment to working hard for Minnesotans. I can’t wait to get started.”
As a related amusing video, here’s Biden talking to the camera in his limo on the way to swear in Franken and the other U.S. Senators:
