Al Franken sworn in as US senator

Mr Franken could help the Democrats stop Republican delaying tactics

Democrat Al Franken has been sworn in as US senator for Minnesota, potentially giving his party a crucial 60 votes in the chamber.

On election day last November, Mr Franken narrowly trailed his Republican opponent, but after a recount and legal battle, he was declared the winner.

Mr Franken first rose to prominence as a satirical comedian.

Having 60 of the 100 seats in the Senate could help the Democrats defeat Republican delaying tactics.

The Democrats need control of three-fifths of the Senate to overcome a Republican filibuster - a method used by minority parties to delay or prevent voting by excessive speaking.

JARGON BUSTER Filibuster: From Dutch word "vrijbuiter" meaning "pirate". An attempt to block or delay Senate action on a bill or other matter by debating it at length, by offering numerous procedural motions, or by any other delaying or obstructive actions Cloture: The only procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter, and so overcome a filibuster. The Senate may limit consideration of a pending matter to 30 additional hours, but only by a vote of three-fifths of the full Senate, normally 60 votes Source: US Senate

But although Mr Franken's win gives the Democrats the biggest Senate majority in 30 years, the party cannot always rely on unanimity in its ranks, says the BBC's Richard Lister in Washington.

Two of the votes Democrats rely on come from independents, while some Democratic senators will not automatically back the administration's agenda.

Even President Obama has acknowledged that he does not anticipate having what he called a "rubber-stamp Senate."

In addition, two prominent Democrats, Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator Robert Byrd, have missed a number of votes because of illness and cannot be relied on to be present in the chamber.

Comedian

Norm Coleman, the Republican candidate in Minnesota, fought a protracted legal battle to overturn the results of the recount.

His legal team argued that a number of absentee ballots had been unfairly rejected by local officials.

But the Minnesota Supreme Court rejected Mr Coleman's arguments.

Mr Franken's comedy career included appearances on Saturday Night Live.

He later became a best-selling author and a host on the liberal Air America radio station.

In an interview on Monday, Mr Franken told the Associated Press that he hoped his constituents would soon adjust to his new career in politics.

"I think they'll get to used to the idea that I'm a senator, that I've kind of changed careers," he said.

"I just don't think it will take that long. They'll see what I do and what I say. Mainly I'm going to put my head down and get to work."