On Tuesday the Minnesota Supreme Court declared Al Franken, a Democrat, the winner of a U.S. Senate race over Republican Norm Colman. This victory should now give Democrats the coveted 60-seat majority that is needed to push through agenda as well as overcome procedural obstacles.

In published reports, Coleman had said that he would be unlikely to appeal the state court's decision to the federal courts. Under Minnesota law, the court's decision gives Franken the right to occupy the seat. The Senate seat in question has been up for grabs since last November's election, when the results were so tight that neither side would concede.

After the Nov. 4 election, Coleman was shown to have a slight lead. However such a slim margin triggered an automatic recount, which then put Franken ahead by 225 votes. Coleman contested the results of the recount, and a judicial panel agreed to add a few hundred previously rejected absentee ballots, which only expanded Franken's lead to 312 votes.

Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has said that he will certify the election winner based on what the state court decides. In this case, he is expected to certify Franken the winner.

As long as the decision holds up, which at this point it looks like it will, the Democratic Party will control 60 of 100 Senate seats. This is just enough to help bolster President Barack Obama's agenda and overcome roadblocks. Although they may not be able to count on the vote of Arlen Specter, the former Republican turned Democrat from Pennsylvania who said he will vote as he feels and not necessarily along party lines.