St. Paul, MN -- A political rally hosted by various labor groups at the State Capitol today (Wednesday, July 1) will feature Minnesota's newest senator, Sen.-elect Al Franken.

The rally begins at noon on the Capitol steps. It is hosted by the Alliance for a Better Minnesota, Americans United for Change, MN AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 5, Working America, SEIU MN State Council, DFL Party, UAW, St. Paul Trades and Labor, Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council. 

Franken and his wife Franni are expected to address the crowd. Minnesota's senior senator, Amy Klobuchar, will also be in the crowd.

The rally comes eight months after the election of Nov. 4, 2008 when Franken and Norm Coleman were caught in a virtual deadlock. Months went by challenging votes, with the state canvassing board, a three-judge panel and finally the Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that Franken was ahead in the vote count. The final advantage Franken enjoyed was 312 votes.

The Supreme Court yesterday at about 1 p.m. (CDT) handed down its 5-0 unanimous ruling rejecting Coleman's appeal. Two hours later former Sen. Norm Coleman spoke at his residence and conceded victory to Franken. About an hour after than, Franken celebrated by taking the mantle of Senator-elect.

It is expected that Franken will be sworn in as Minnesota's junior senator next week after the Independence Day holiday. His win gives Democrats 60 Senate seats, a number needed to overcome Republican fillibusters.