Posted on 02/10/2005 7:49:50 AM PST by Valin
WASHINGTON - Just one day after U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton decided not to run for a second term, comedian Al Franken may be throwing his hat into the ring.
Last year, Franken said he wanted to run for the Senate in 2008. But last night he told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that he is now considering his candidacy for next year.
Franken, a Minnesota native, plans to make an announcement live on his national radio show in Washington D.C. this morning. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will be in the studio with Franken for that announcement.
Meanwhile, former U.S. Sen Rod Grams, who lost his seat to Dayton in 2000, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that he is running for the open seat. He said Social Security, the deficit, the budget, Medicare and Medicaid are what prompted him to enter the race.
Other Republicans who may consider a run include U.S. Reps. Mark Kennedy and Gil Gutknecht, and Minn. Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer.
On the DFL side, activist Buck Humphrey said he's not ruling out a bid for the U.S. Senate.
The grandson of the late Vice President Hubert Humphrey and the son of former state Attorney General Skip Humphrey first said he wasn't interested in joining a growing list of candidates seeking the party nomination. But Buck Humphrey said later that he wouldn't rule out running for the open Senate seat.
Other potential DFL candidates include Minneapolis lawyer Mike Ciresi, Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson of Willmar, state Senator Steve Kelley of Hopkins, former Congressman Bill Luther, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, and former public development official Rebecca Yanisch.
State House Minority Leader Matt Entenza was considered to be a potential Senate candidate by many. However, he said Wednesday that he's not interested. During a visit to Worthington, Entenza said his interests are entirely in Minnesota.
This is a JOKE, right????
...but only when he's trying to be serious.
Noon to Three
http://www.airamericaradio.com/listen.asp
BYOBB
Bring Your Own Barf Bag
he's almost as funny as garrison keister (not very.)
I think Grams is the most solid conservative to run, but that being said, not very winnable due to past personal problems within his family that will be exploited again by the MPLS Star & Sickle. he knows more about sosh security reform than probably anyone in the current senate.
Losing Dayton is not going to help the republicans- he was very beatable.
Oh, but Franken is a comedian. The very idea of him being a Senator is hysterical. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
We'll see. He may announce he's not running. Which would make him the only Minnesota leftist that isn't.
Franken will win because Minnesota will just fawn over another dumbass celebrity populist.
There's certainly precedent for "entertainers" to enter politics at a relatively high level. But I just don't think Al can or will do it. He's got a short fuse and the way the MN and national GOP would pound him would make him lash out often. He knows this.
Franken is again yankin'..
I don't know if I can stomach listening to his blather, so I'm sure there will be audio clips afterwards. Thanks for the link though!
I got a twenty dollar bill that says you'er wrong.
Yes, this is another good news event. I say, if you're from Minnesota, (even repubs) please, please get out and vote in the primary election to get him the nomination.
nikos
God help the people of Minnesota if he does get elected.
As a fellow Minnesotan (though not proud of that fact), all I can say is
GO AL, GO!!!
We're talking about Minnesota here. He'd probably win.
Oh this is rich! Has anyone ever seen Franken on one of his rants? He puts Howard Dean to shame.
If he thinks any normal person takes him seriously it would be hilarious.
Oh please let Franken be the DFL candidate! He is such a loser.
stuart saves minnesota
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