Franken makes victory speech outside his home (VIDEOS)

More than eight months after Election Day 2008, Al Franken can finally call himself Minnesota's junior senator.

Franken, joined by his wife, Franni, addressed dozens of reporters, family members and supporters outside his Minneapolis townhouse Tuesday afternoon. He appeared relieved that the long election contest was over and said he was ready to get to work.



Franken received a concession phone call from Norm Coleman earlier in the day, and praised his opponent. "It couldn't have been any closer," he said. Franken expects to be officially sworn in by early next week.



Michael Gabiou, of Arden Hills, and Sara Rummel, of Minneapolis, attended the press conference said that it was time for Franken to be seated, especially so he could work on healthcare reform.