Realizing that the U.S. Congress needs a little humor, Al Franken is set to announce that he will run for the United States Senate seat now held by Norm Coleman.
Sen. Coleman is one of the most vulnerable Republican senators up for re-election in 2008, but I am not sure that Franken is the right person to unseat him. Coleman ran for governor several years ago but lost to Jesse Ventura. Coleman has also belonged to both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Franken has a political PAC, and last year raised over $1 million. He spread it around to some successful Democratic nominees in other states. They will probably come to Minnesota to help him out.
Even if he loses, there should be a lot of laughs in this campaign.
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 4)
31. Al Frankenstein is a washed up hasbeen that was never really any good in the first place, all of his retoric is and was failed PR attempts to somehow revive his career and he failed miserably, he is not only out of touch but lacks the prerequiste of knowledge and honor to serve in office, this fraud will fail...
rick at 2:23PM on Feb 1st 2007
32. If the underlying reason for Franken to run for the senate is to add some humor to that pathetic body of numchucks called the U.S. Senate, his race is already lost. Franken was never funny nor is he now and nor will he ever be. However when he joins forces with the other clowns in Washington, he may be able to muster a couple of laughs.How can anyone take politicians seriously when things like this get on the radar screen. Of course, Franken can always say it was just for fun and people shouldn't take this seriously. Believe me, who is?
Bob Mirque at 2:25PM on Feb 1st 2007
33. Another candidate for the left-wing media to shout songs of praise about from the hill tops!!! Isn't Hillary and Obama enough???
Rob R. at 6:17PM on Feb 1st 2007
34. Of course he will. Franken-stein needs the work. He failed miserably with Air America and abysmal ratings. He wasn't funny on SNL or any other comic stage I have ever seen him perform.What he passes for humor is really sarcasm, contempt for others, and his delusion that he is just a bit smarter than everyone else...a typical elite-wannabe. He can join a number of the other deeply anti-American wingnuts in the Senate, and fit right in.
Ignatz at 2:40PM on Feb 1st 2007
35. Well, I suppose he has the right to be humiliated in public just like anyone else. Give a guy a radio show and they think that people actually want them to debate in Congress. But replacing a Republican cannot be a bad thing. More radio play should run for office if they can do that.
willy was here at 2:59PM on Feb 1st 2007
36. You guys are a bunch of whiners. Just say you disagree with his views and here's a thought...say what you disagree with. Franken is intelligent, knowledgable, and successful so all the belly-aching is just silly. And, um, if you don't get Franken's humor, it's understandable...his wit goes right over many people's heads. When you state he is not funny it sorta advertises to the world that your sense of humor is not very evolved...
kelly at 3:43PM on Feb 1st 2007
37. Yikes! A lot of sour grapes republicans. I think Al Franken will be a great Senator. He's a fighting Dem and republicans should be very afraid.
Barbara Panigot at 3:12PM on Feb 1st 2007
38. funny, calling him a member of the Al Qaeda. I've always thought that jewish people had a strong affinity for the Al Qaeda.
as to unfunny? as a comedian he may no have been funny, but considering that he was the primary writer for most of it's early successful run (1975-1995 with a five year hiatus) If you ever thought snl was funny then you have to admit he is funny.
Al Franken would definately make a better congressperson than the current person in the white house, I mean I know that america is pandering to the low intellect but do we really need them as our president?
jim at 3:56PM on Feb 1st 2007
39. Frankin is only one of the reasons Air America is going broke and will take down a lot of people when it does. Frankin will only do the same with the state if given a chance. Why do we need someone who thinks they are more important than the poeopl he wants to follow him!
Dave B at 4:00PM on Feb 1st 2007
40. He's never run for public office, not even dog catcher. His claim to fame is a stint at SNL and on Air America (which is tanking as we speak). He can throw rocks, but what has he done to really try and improve the public debate? I guess when they tilted the country on end, Al did not quite make it to California with all the other nuts and bolts. Go for it Al, it might even be interesting to see how you handle "the rocks of criticism" on the campaign trail.
Usual Suspect at 4:07PM on Feb 1st 2007
41. Thank God for Al Franken!!!! He has done a real service to our country with Air America. He will be a wonderful senator--bright, witty & sensible.
Laura at 4:07PM on Feb 1st 2007
42. Ya'll are so SERIOUS, lighten up already. AOL is such a patsy for right wing Republicans! All the moaning and groaning!
Maria C. at 4:22PM on Feb 1st 2007
43. If the naysayers had been paying attention they would realize Al Frankin has been involved in Democratic Politics for a long time now, he is well educated on the issues.
Brain Child at 4:26PM on Feb 1st 2007
44. What was the name of the song back in the 70s by Joan Biaz "Send in the Clowns" Al Franklin will fit right in with the other clowns. Maybe we can get Jon Stewart and his sidekick Colbert to run too. Boy, Canada is sure looking better and better.......Eh Veteran of Viet Nam and ashamed of our Government (again).
Don Kane at 4:26PM on Feb 1st 2007
45. I would consider moving to the frozen north to vote for Al!
Reed at 4:30PM on Feb 1st 2007