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Associated Press - July 6, 2009 6:33 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate's newest member, known for being a comedian, is taking his new job seriously.
So seriously, in fact, that when Minnesota Democrat Al Franken arrived today at the U.S. Capitol, he made no jokes.
Appearing in a Senate hallway with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the former "Saturday Night Live" performer barely cracked a smile as he made clear his new schtick is serious senator from Minnesota. Said Franken: "I am ready to get to work. I'm going to work day and night."
Franken defeated Republican incumbent Norm Coleman after an eight-month recount battle.
Franken is expected to be sworn in tomorrow. He'll be the junior senator from Minnesota, alongside fellow Democrat Amy Klobuchar.
Franken brings with him a theoretically filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority for the Democrats. But he plays it down, saying he's "not focused on that."
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
