Franken: I am ready to get to work

Democratic Senator-elect Al Franken on Monday emphasized representing Minnesota and said he is ready to get to work after he is sworn in on Tuesday.

At a press conference with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Franken said he is less concerned with being the Democrats’ 60th vote in the Senate than he is with being a voice for Minnesota.

“A lot has been made at this number 60,” Franken said in brief remarks. “The number I am focused on is the number two. I view myself as the second senator from the state of Minnesota.”

Franken will be sworn in on Tuesday – eight months after Election Day last November. He will be immediately thrust into the spotlight in serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will host the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Sonia Sotomayor, and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, a key panel in healthcare reform.

“Minnesotans want a rational healthcare system that provides healthcare for all Americans,” Franken said.

The Democrat also stressed an education system that prepares the next generation for the 21st century economy.

“I am going to work day and night to make sure that our kids are going to have a great future,” Franken said. “I am ready to get to work.”

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com