Al Franken is going to Washington. In a unanimous vote today, Minnesota's highest court declaring the former comedian the winner of the last open seat in the U.S. Senate.

I plan to follow the example of my good friend and predecessor, Paul Wellstone, who was willing and ready to partner with his colleagues across the aisle to do the work of the American people.

This trend threatens to undermine the greatest engine of free speech and commerce since the printing press.

Doesn't the American public have a compelling First Amendment interest in ensuring that this can't happen and that the Internet stays open and accessible?

These televised hearings over the years have taught Americans a lot about our Constitution and the role that the courts play in upholding and defending it.

I have admired your strength and integrity in leading this Committee.

It's an incredible honor to be here, less than week into my term as a United States Senator.

Isn't there a compelling, overriding First Amendment right here for Americans to have access to the Internet?

She came to our cases without any apparent bias, probed counsel actively with insightful and at times tough questions and demonstrated time and again that she not only listens, but is often persuaded by counsel.

I take this oath very seriously as we consider your nomination, Judge Sotomayor.

I'm just a comedian.

The president is moving toward Kerry's position. Kerry said months and months ago that we should internationalize this coalition and get NATO in there.

He didn't mention Rumsfeld once. As you know, General Shinseki said there should be several hundred thousand troops there.

He has not taken responsibility.

I think they -- Clear Channel first started kicking him off their stations after he said that he was against President Bush.

I think it has. And I think these fines are excessive.

This administration is asleep at the wheel.

We can't trust this guy.