Washington - A nearly eight-month dispute over the results of Minnesota's Senate election could be over, after the state's highest court on Tuesday backed the wafer-thin victory of Democratic candidate Al Franken.

The Minnesota race was closely watched nationwide: Franken's win would give Democrats a 60-vote majority in the US Senate, allowing the party to more easily push through their legislative priorities.

Incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman was originally declared the victor in the November 2008 election. But the close vote prompted an automatic recount and Franken was declared the winner in January, triggering a series of court challenges.

The Minnesota Supreme Court's decision could finally settle the case. The state's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty had said he would follow the court's ruling and certify the election results.

Coleman could challenge all the way to the US Supreme Court, but has not suggested he will do so.

In the final tally, Franken, a former comedian, won by 312 votes out of 2.9 million votes cast.(dpa)