The three-judge panel that has been looking into the still-unresolved Minnesota Senate race ruled unanimously on Monday that Al Franken, the Democrat, has won more votes than Norm Coleman, the Republican and former occupant of the seat.

This was not entirely unexpected. Last week, after the judges allowed some 351 previously rejected absentee ballots to be counted — far less than the Coleman camp's request of more than 1,000 — Franken's lead of 225 votes increased to 312. That's where the margin stands now, and that's what led the panel to declare Franken with the most votes. (Click here for our last report on the race.)

There was no official response from the Coleman camp today, but Benjamin Ginsberg, his attorney, has said for a while now that with so many voters being "disenfranchised," they are likely to appeal to the state Supreme Court. They have 10 days to file their appeal.

Tuesday marks 23 weeks since the election.

Tags: Washington Senators