Capitol View®

Big Surprise – Franken is in

Comedian and radio show host Al Franken has launched a campaign for the Senate seat held by Republican Norm Coleman. In a statement on his website, Franken acknowledges Minnesotans have a right to be skeptical about whether he's ready for the challenge, but he wants them to know that nothing means more to him than making government work better for working families. Franken joins another DFLer, attorney Mike Ciresi, who announced his campaign earlier this week. Both say they will abide by the DFL party endorsement.

UPDATE: Here's the response from Minnesota Republican Party Chair Ron Carey:

“Given his blind partisanship and extreme anger, Al Franken is the last person Minnesotans need in the United States Senate. While Senator Norm Coleman continues to work with all sides for the betterment of our state and nation, Franken offers Minnesotans nothing but polarization and vitriolic personal attacks.”