I'm Al Franken

Al Franken, the former "Saturday Night Live" comedian turned politician, isn't officially the next US senator from Minnesota.

But he's already acting like it, hiring staff, meeting prospective colleagues, and today getting an audience with Vice President Joe Biden.

Incumbent Norm Coleman is still contesting the razor-close November election in the courts, preventing Franken from taking office. Franken would give Democrats and like-minded independents 60 votes in the Senate, potentially enough to overcome procedural hurdles laid in their path by Republicans.

"The election process and recount in Minnesota have lived up to the state's reputation for organization, transparency, and bipartisanship. The officials have been meticulous and every ruling has been unanimous," Biden said in a statement after the huddle.

"While Senator Amy Klobuchar is one of the hardest working members of the United States Senate, Minnesotans deserve their full representation. Once the Minnesota Supreme Court has issued its final ruling in this case, the President and I look forward to working with Mr. Franken on building an economy for the 21st century.”

Franken issued his own statement after meeting Biden: "I deeply appreciate the administration's ongoing support and the opportunity to meet with Vice President Biden today. Minnesotans are eager to see Congress make progress on the administration's agenda - and I'm eager to do my part in that effort. From investments in alternative energy to the expansion of high-speed rail to the Twin Cities, we have a lot to do to help Minnesota's working families, and I was pleased to discuss these important issues with the Vice President."