Mark Warner Sworn In to the Senate!

Today, January 6, 2009, is a day for the history books. In an event that will be retold countless times to children and grandchildren alike, the Senate swore in a white man from Virginia named Warner. The seat, which hasn't been held by such a demographic since 2008, is just one of nine that are changing hands to start the 111th Congress.

In less historic Senate news, today is the first day in the Minnesota race that will pit humorist Al Franken (D-Manhattan) against incumbent Norm Coleman (R-Brooklyn). Now some people out there, including Franken, were under the mistaken impression that the race was over, with Franken having won.

Well not so fast! According to Coleman's attorney, Tony Trimble (R-Slicksville): "This process isn't at the end; it is now just at the beginning." Coleman plans to challenge the election results in court, with the goal of bumping the case up the ladder until it reaches a sympathetic judicial body. We'll check back in on this race in August to see if it's gotten anywhere.

Advice to Coleman and Franken: Elections and courts are all beside the point these days. The way to do it is to make like Roland Burris and just declare yourself Senator. It'll get you at least as far as the hallway on the third floor of the Capitol!