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'Informed' Franken Wows Lawmakers

Between Sotomayor and health care, comedian-turned-senator has been busy

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 1, 2009 4:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – A few weeks into his much-delayed Senate career, Al Franken is already winning plaudits from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the AP reports. A member of two key Senate committees, the Minnesota Democrat has jumped into hot-button debates—like Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation and health care reform—and co-sponsored six bills. He struck his first victory by partnering with a Republican colleague to create a program pairing service dogs with wounded veterans.

“He'd done his homework. He was very informed,” said GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson. “It was obvious he was trying to hit the ground running.” Fellow Democrat Sen. Tom Harkin called Franken a “quick study” on health care. Franken, who waged an 8-month battle with incumbent Norm Coleman for the seat, said, “I’ve got a lot of work to do. I've got to get up to speed very, very quickly, so I'm focused on that.”

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., works in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., questioned Sonia Sotomayor during her Supreme Court confirmation hearings. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., works in his office on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., the newest member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, smiles on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, July 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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He'd done his homework. He was very informed. It was obvious he was trying to hit the ground running. He appears to be trying very hard. - Sen. Johnny Isakson, (R-Ga.),
on Al Franken

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 28 comments

jaguarj

Aug 2, 2009 12:55 PM CDT

Steal an election? You are as fucking stupid as you seem.

mintclassic

Aug 2, 2009 12:46 PM CDT

Yeah, why in the hell is everyone so shocked by this? I could have told you five, ten years ago that Al Franken is an exceptionally intelligent person. Everyone is basing their opinion of him on this whole skewed "clown" image that his detractors have put out there, when in reality, well...what Fondue said.

TimInKansasCIty

Aug 2, 2009 12:29 PM CDT

I hear Godaw on this one, don't you realize that it's just that bedding of our elected representatives by corporate america that gives our society that special flava so envied by the rest of shit kicking world? Why can't you love America, Jon?

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Minnesota • Al Franken • health care reform • US Senate • Sonia Sotomayor

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'Informed' Franken Wows Lawmakers