Al Franken to Seek Minnesota Senate Seat
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Al Franken will run for the U.S. Senate in 2008 - and the author of Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot wants to be taken seriously.
The comedian and liberal talk-show host declared his candidacy Wednesday for the Minnesota seat currently held by Republican Norm Coleman.
His decision guarantees that the 2008 race will be more entertaining than usual and closely followed by national media.
Franken immediately confronted the central question he will face in the early going - whether a life-long comic should be taken seriously.
“Minnesotans have a right to be skeptical about whether I’m ready for this challenge and to wonder how seriously I would take the responsibility that I’m asking you to give me,” Franken said in a video message on his campaign website, launched at 1 p.m.
“I want you to know: nothing means more to me than making government work better for the working families of this state. Over the next 20 months I look forward to proving to you that I take these issues seriously.”
Offering personal stories about his childhood in Minnesota and about how his father and other family members were able to survive and thrive with the help of federal education and Social Security programs, Franken said the government should “have your back.”
“That should be our mission in Washington, the one FDR gave us during another challenging time: freedom from fear.”
Franken’s announcement came on the final day of his show on the liberal radio network Air America. His decision instantly makes him a serious contender and brings national attention to the race.
According to the Washington Post, Franken announced a few weeks ago he would leave Air America, tellng prominent Democrats off the record about his plans to seek office.
His name is well-known, and Al Franken is likely to be well-funded, but he’s expected to be challenged by several other Democrats, including wealthy trial attorney Mike Ciresi.
His candidacy will also test whether Minnesotans are in the mood for another celebrity-turned-politician, after the 1999-2003 governorship of former WWE wrestling star Jesse Ventura.
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