Funny Man Franken Gets Serious About Senate Run

February 14, 2007— -- First came Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Now it could be Al Franken's turn.

Minnesotans, who elected former pro wrestler Ventura to serve as their governor in 1999, may have another unorthodox candidate asking for their vote this year. Comedian and talk-show host Al Franken appears poised to launch a run for the state's Senate seat, currently held by Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.

On Jan. 29, Franken told his radio audience that he would leave his self-titled show on Feb. 14, paving the way for a possible campaign.

Franken announced on air, "I'm definitely giving [a Senate run] serious consideration." He then said if he makes his decision by the time his final radio show airs, he would announce the decision on Valentine's Day.

Where Ventura was better known for body slams and head locks before taking the helm of state government in a tumultuous independent term, Franken has long been a figure in the political world.

Franken, a former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer, has been the signature voice of the liberal Air America radio network since its inception in 2004 and formed the Midwest Values Political Action Committee, of which Andy Barr is the political director.

Barr does not deny that Franken may be about to launch a Senate bid.

"He has made no secret of the fact that he's seriously considering getting into the race," says Barr. "He's been talking to everyone you can imagine, talking to people about their experiences, seeking advice from folks who have gone through the process."

While Franken lays the groundwork for a campaign, others are already jumping in the race for one of the two Senate seats in the land of 10,000 lakes.

On Feb. 11, Minnesota Democrat and wealthy trial lawyer Mike Ciresi announced he is forming an exploratory committee for a second Senate bid. Ciresi won 22 percent of the primary vote against eventual general election winner and now former Sen. Mark Dayton.

Republicans are also taking early aim at a Franken bid.

Ron Carey, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, recently issued a statement expressing confidence that the state "will reject Franken's divisive, scorched earth attacks," going on to declare, "Al Franken fundamentally lacks the leadership qualities Minnesotans are looking for."

The National Republican Senatorial Committee also released a collection of quotes that the comedian would probably rather forget, including a comment made to Time magazine in 2003 in which Franken stated he was not tempted to run for office, reasoning, "First of all, if I took one vote away from a serious candidate, it would be a sin."

Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Policy and Governance at the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, acknowledges that Republicans want to damage Franken's credibility early in the electoral process.