Democrats in the US have secured a big enough majority in the Senate to overcome potential Republican delaying tactics on legislative votes. Last night, Republican Norm Coleman conceded defeat to former comedian Al Franken in Minnesota's contested Senate race, ending one of the longest election battles in recent US history. The result has been in limbo for eight months due to a recount and a court battle. Once Mr Franken takes his seat, the Democrats, with the support of two independents, will have a majority not achieved by either side of the aisle in around three decades.