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October 11, 2008 11:05:34 PM CDT

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No (Funny) Bones About Franken's Run

Posted Dec 5, 07 5:56 PM CST in Politics 

(Newser) – Comedian Al Franken's campaign for a Minnesota Senate seat is unconventional, the New York Times reports—and it's serious. Best known for his stint on Saturday Night Live and stingingly partisan attacks on the right, Franken is busy proving he can look senatorial. “Minnesotans know what’s a joke and what isn’t,” an unworried Franken said. Others aren’t so sure.

Franken as the Democratic candidate has some Republicans licking their chops. “To think of him as a United States senator almost boggles anyone’s imagination,” said Minnesota’s top Republican. But Franken's poll numbers are good—particularly against first-term Senator Norm Coleman, viewed by Democrats as prime for unseating—and he's the top fund-raiser in either party, with $1.89 million in the third quarter.

Source New York Times

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U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken laughs with a supporter at a picnic in Edina, Minn., Saturday, July 21, 2007. Even as his celebrity draws crowds and attention, Franken must convince Democratic activists...   (Associated Press)
Comedian and radio talk show host Al Franken laughs during an interview with The Associated Press in Minneapolis in this Jan. 4, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)   (Associated Press)
Comedian Al Franken talks on air in Minneapolis, in this Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, pool)   (Associated Press)
U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken speaks during a picnic for Democrats in Edina, Minn., Saturday, July 21, 2007. Even as his celebrity draws crowds and attention, Franken must convince Democratic activists...   (Associated Press)
U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken is surrounded by supporters at an open house for his campaign headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., Saturday, July 21, 2007. Even as his celebrity draws crowds and attention,...   (Associated Press)
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