Franken praises Sotomayor

The man who might be the 60th vote for Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation praised the new nominee today, calling her a “remarkable jurist.”

Al Franken, still waging a court battle against Norm Coleman in Minnesota, issued a statement saying he looks forward to joining the Senate and taking part in Sotomayor’s confirmation process.

“I want to congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her history-making nomination to the Supreme Court. Confirming a Supreme Court Justice is among the most important responsibilities the Senate has, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I look forward to joining my colleagues as we examine Judge Sotomayor’s qualifications carefully before confirmation. However, it is already clear that President Obama has chosen a remarkable jurist with an impressive record of accomplishment and a life story with which working families can identify.”

Franken’s statement is a reminder of how close Democrats are to a filibuster proof majority. The Minnesota Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on the Senate recount sometime in June, meaning that Franken, if the court rules in his favor, could join the Senate in time to vote on Sotomayor. Ironically, Coleman could appeal his decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, possibly denying Franken the opportunity to vote on the newest member of that body.