When the RNC did not immediately respond to yesterday's ruling by a three-judge panel on the Minnesota Senate recount, the DNC jumped on it. But now, with former Sen. Norm Coleman making clear his intention to appeal the ruling, chairman Michael Steele has issued this statement:

"I am glad that Senator Coleman is appealing the recent court order in Minnesota. More than 4,400 voters remain disenfranchised because judges ignored equal protection concerns and the facts from Election Day. The Republican Party will continue to strongly support Senator Coleman's appeals until we are confident that no voter is left behind."

At the White House, meanwhile, press secretary Robert Gibbs said the White House agrees with the panel in saying the election was conducted "fairly, impartially and accurately," and that Democrat Al Franken won the most votes.

"We look forward, hopefully soon, to adding an additional U.S. Senator representing the people of the state of Minnesota," Gibbs said.