Unsettled Wednesday, then cooler before heating up next week

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

A peek into Franken MVPs, a fundraising committee meant to help re-elect DFL Sen. Al Franken, shows that the comedian-turned-lawmaker pulled in thousands last year from some of the most hilarious people in Hollywood.

Here are a few highlights, according to Federal Election Commission 

- Seth MacFarlane, who is best known for being the brains behind the animated comedy "The Family Guy," gave Franken $10,000.

- Larry David, who co-created "Seinfeld" and created and acts in "Curb Your Enthusiasm," gave Franken $2,500. His ex-wife, Laurie David, gave $2,500 as well.

- "Late Show" host David Letterman gave Franken $2,500

- Cross-dressing actor and stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard gave Franken $10,000, as did Bill Maher, who is host of HBO's "Real time with Bill Maher."

- Director and producer Ron Howard gave Franken $1,000 as did his wife, Cheryl.

- Actress Meryl Streep and her husband Donald Gummer together gave Franken $1,200.

A few names from Franken's "Saturday Night Live" days also appear on the donor roster, including actor Kevin Nealon, who gave $1,000 and writer Christine Zander, who gave the same amount.

SNL creator Lorne Michaels gave Franken $4,600.

In 2011, Franken MPVs raised nearly $725,000 from a range of donors, including lawyers, investment bankers, business owners, clothing designers and wealthy Minnesotans such as John and Sage Cowles and members of the Dayton family.

Roughly $365,000 of the funds raised last year by Franken MVPs was moved into Franken's 2014 re-election account, and about $206,000 was transferred into the Midwest Values PAC, a pot of money Franken doles out to other candidates and causes.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Catharine Richert

Author

Franken collects thousands from Hollywood

Funny men (and women) give to funnyman Franken

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox