Senator-elect Al Franken said today that he is "excited" to finally get to Washington to serve the people of Minnesota as their newest senator.

"Let me say thank you to the people of Minnesota for your patience, for your thoughts and prayers, and for giving me the opportunity to work for you in Washington," Franken said. "I can't wait to get started."

Franken said he believed he would be sworn in early next week, when the Senate returns from a week-long Fourth of July recess. He played down the fact that he will become the 60th Democratic senator, giving them a potentially filibuster-proof majority.

"I'm not going to Washington to be the 60th Democratic senator," Franken said. "I'm going to Washington to be the second senator from Minnesota."

No matter who they voted for, Franken said, "I want the people of Minnesota to know that I am ready to work for all of you -- that I am committed to be a voice for all Minnesotans in the United States Senate."

Franken said he has a full staff waiting for him in Washington and that he'll serve on the following committees: Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Judiciary; Indian Affairs; and Aging.