Almanac: At the Capitol

Al Franken won the endorsement "by acclamation" and word is he would have won on the first ballot with 62%. Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer made the motion in deference to Franken. That's just past the 60% needed for endorsement. A first ballot endorsement is big. It shows strong support for a candidate mired in trouble. JNP and Franken stood side by side.

Franken was emotional accepting the endorsement saying "it is with tremendous humility that I accept your endorsement." A standing ovation followed. He thanked the congressional delegation whom he said he learned so much, interesting that those are the people who questioned his endorsement. Franken said "I'm not a perfect person, but I will tell the truth." Franken focused on Norm Coleman, as he hopes the media will, saying Coleman doesn't work for average people, but big oil and big drug companies. Franken added "I will keep my spine and I will work for you" and promised the delegates they'd be proud of him in Washington.

Thanks for the early tip on the balloting from the sweet guys at MNPublius. They are doing a great job from the convention along with the must-read Michael at MDE. Republicans are on the spot too. They're planning a press conference right after the endorsement outside the arena. GOP Chair Ron Carey immediately issued a statement saying "With their endorsement of Al Franken, the DFL Party gave its official seal of approval to a candidate who failed to pay taxes in 17 states, failed to pay workers' compensation and joked about bestiality and the drugging and rape of a woman."