Kurt Zellers means business. At least that's what emerges when you talk to the new Republican minority leader for the Minnesota House.

Just because Congress is taking a holiday recess doesn't mean members aren't working on health reform. Some are holding town-hall forums, and others are looking at language for a public plan. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart upset trade groups by supporting a federal mandate for large employers to provide health insurance to employees.

That graciousness shown by former Sen. Norm Coleman Tuesday was not being echoed by top Republican leaders Wednesday afternoon. Tony Sutton, the new party chair of the state Republican Party, and the party’s new deputy chairman, Michael Brodkorb, say they believe the party only needs to make Minnesotans understand the righteousness of the true conservative message and voters will flock to Republican candidates.

Sen.-elect Al Franken's plate is full. On his first full day of being the certified senator-to-be from Minnesota, Franken spoke about some key issues this morning in an interview with MinnPost.com.

Minnesotans — and the nation — can expect to see the "un-Al." As much as he'll tilt toward the left, he might sway toward Minnesota-style boredom, at least at the start. Advisers say he'll focus on concerns that matter to Minnesotans and will try to emulate the best qualities of such former senators as Paul Wellstone, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Bradley.

The back steps of Norm Coleman’s St. Paul home framed his concession speech: Coleman was exiting. An hour or so later, the grayish-blue front door told Franken’s tale: He was arriving. After 34 weeks of doubt, the nation’s 100th senator soon will take his place in Washington.

The Minnesota Supreme Court's decision in the Franken-Coleman case will begin its life as one of the most legally significant resolutions of a disputed election in U.S. history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Minnesota Supreme Court today unanimously cleared the way for Democrat Al Franken to become the state's next U.S. senator. His challenger, former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, even agreed, and the governor said he's signing the election certificate today. The only problem now: There's nobody here to swear him in.

Coleman concedes in contest to Franken | Coleman statement

Pawlenty will sign Senate election certificate today

Supreme Court Opinion (PDF)

The Minnesota Supreme Court today, in a unanimous 5-0 decision, shot down every claim that Norm Coleman and his lawyers made during a seven-week trial and, now, nearly two months of appeals. Shortly after, Norm Coleman conceded the contest to Al Franken, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he would sign the election certificate later today. More coverage later.

On the surface, former Congressman Jim Ramstad's potential interest in entering the governor's race would seem to move him to the front of the GOP and DFL packs of mostly unknown candidates. As a moderate, suburban Republican, he could have plenty of appeal, but former Gov. Arne Carlson, a big admirer, says victory wouldn't be easy. Here's why.

Related: Guide to Minnesota gubernatorial candidates