Klobuchar: "I've told him to study up"

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar will join her future colleague Al Franken at a rally at the State Capitol today.

Klobuchar told MPR's Cathy Wurzer this morning that the Senator-elect will have to get up to speed quickly when he goes to Washington.

"He's going to be coming right in the middle of the Supreme Court nomination hearing and I've just told him to study up," Klobuchar said. "I have an advisory group here in Minnesota, and I will give him whatever help he needs."

Klobuchar said she plans to walk Franken into the Senate chamber for his formal introduction to the body. She also said that she's already been talking to Franken about what's ahead of him.

"We are in a tumultuous time, so its very important to focus on the big ideas in front of us, with the economy and with health care and with energy," Klobuchar said. "I think the big focus for him and really with Congress right now is with health care reform."

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Franken will be sworn in early next week.