Although Franken's campaign seemed to crack when the MN GOP released, with cleverly calculated timing, an old Playboy column the satirist had written over eight years ago, he held onto his lead.
Falling prey to the dustup created by MN GOP's release of the Playboy column, US Rep Betty McCollum (D-MN) took an outspoken stance against Franken. McCollum was the campaign co-chairman for Franken's democratic opponent, Mike Ciresi, who failed to secure enough delegates to remain competitive. McCollum wasn't the only politician to address the Playboy column, but she was the loudest.
In a defensive, yet contrite, statement released Thursday night, Franken said:
"I understand and regret that people have been legitimately offended by some of the things I've written."Six female Minnesota republican leaders, including State Rep Laura Brod and Senator Michelle Fischbach, wrote a letter to Franken attacking him on the grounds of feminism and in defense of women everywhere. However, none of the signatories to the letter are in favor of universal health care and all are strong opponents of a woman's right to choose. Additionally, Fischbach has authored legislation to deny women with eating disorders (whose cause she claims to champion) access to health care through the Mental Health Parity Act.
In rebuttal to the letter to Franken, Shannon Drury, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Organization for Women, proclaimed herself a lifelong feminist who heartily supports Al Franken.
"Al Franken stands in support of Minnesota women, and I stand in support of him...In fact, Al Franken will be a senator who will work tirelessly in support of women's issues. After meeting with Al personally, I found his honesty and openness refreshing, his intelligence and perserverance inspiring."Considering Al Gore's endorsement of Franken, and Franni Franken's personal assurance that her husband is, indeed, very respectful of women, the majority of DFL delegates remained faithful and voted to endorse Al Franken for US Senate earlier today.
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Comments: 49
Good on Al Franken. He's going to clobber poor, hapless, bush boot-licker normie.
I've met and spoken with Franken a number of times, and found him to be much more intelligent than I'd expected (sorry, Al!). His wife is quite gracious as well. But, that's just my opinion.
Have you ever met Norm Coleman?
I would like to invite you to read my most recent post "Al Franken is the Real Deal", hot off the word-processor, and inspired by today's events.
I also have photos on my page with Al, and photos from the recent fundraiser at the Smith's in Minneapolis. Were you there?
I've spent some private, social, non-political moments with Al and Franni, and I know now how warm, caring, kind, smart, dedicated and patriotic they truly are. I have good friends in St. Louis Park who went to high school with Al. Now that Al has received the nomination, I hope that eveyone will come to know what is really happening here, and will embrace substance over image. This is exactly what the DFL delegates were able to do today, much to their credit. The truth will be told, and we will all benefit, GOPs and Dems and everyone else.
I play guitar in the group Al's Grateful Volunteers, or AGV. Now that Al has the endorsement, we are likely to play for his bigger rallies in the area, the reason we formed in the first place.
Anyway, hope to meet you sometime in the near future.
I think at times even tho I still am a republican, I find none other like me anymore maybe like '06 I'll vote with the dems.
Susan - I think that Ellison caved because of McCollum but will add that no candidate - including Franken - is a perfect candidate. I do think he shares Wellstone's passion and concern for people, but in a less "buoyant" manner. One thing that seemed to draw him to Franni was the hardships faced by her family - he truly seems to want to make a difference. But again, no candidate is perfect and sometimes people feel they have to vote for "the lesser of two evils" which is probably better than not voting at all.
Mike - I will definitely check out your piece, Al Franken is the Real Deal. I wasn't at the Smith's - I've been out of town and under the weather as well. However, I'd love to connect at some point with regard to your band!
Thanks, Deb!
I think there are 5 candidates again this year.
(I guess this is a little off-topic, but inquiring minds want to know...)
The vetting process consists mainly of the candidates exceptions to the platform. A Republican, or a DFL agenda would not get past vetting (unless they lie like a rug).
I don't know anything about the third CD. Independent voters could grow like weeds there, for all I know.
The Independence party seem most excited about approaching the IR's that voted for the transportation bill. They should have a place to call home.
Appreciate the update on the Franken race! I've read some of is books and was impressed by his knowledge and logic.
I have. He's the biggest butt kisser anywhere.
At one time he tried to convince people in St Paul to waste half a billion dollars on a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins. I literally chased the sonuvabitch out of our building and several people from KARE 11 were there to witness it. Naturally, they did not report that but did show him leaving the premises with a wry smile on his sourpuss.
As for Franken's campaign, go to youtube.com and you will see multiple video posts attacking him. Naturally, Franken's supporters remain silent at this point.
At least one DFL'er has some class.
This is kinda like NOW being silent during the Clinton-Lewinski deal.
"I guess it's OK if he's OUR candidate".
This shows 'class' and validates the arguments against Franken?
Hmm, I suppose since Bush's Coalition of the Dwindling has almost completely resigned from his alliance, it proves that they have class and that Hitlerian Bush has been wrong all along.
;)
Norm Coleman got a good scolding from George Galloway who called him 'lickspittle' in front of Congress.
LOL!
Long live the politician...
May the comedian rest in peace (we'll miss him)...
US Rep Betty McCollum from St Paul and suburbs didn't attend the "unity" event. Good for her. I've never voted for her and rarely see eye to eye politically, but I have a new respect for her. She's strong enough in her beliefs to not partake and not endorse Mr Franken. In the long term that's a very good move. Paul Wellstone wouldn't sell his feminist beliefs out for a clown like this. Once again, good job Betty.
David - "Long live the politician...May the comedian rest in peace..." How very mature of you! (sending props)
Thanks for the article. I really appreciate the respectful tone of your writing. You really elevate the conversation, unlike the toilet-voiced name-calling nabobs. I'll try to follow your example, maybe starting tomorrow!
In the year and a half since meeting the Frankens I've come to know them a bit more, certainly more than Winston. That's why I wrote the article "Al Franken is the Real Deal". I feel I have some personal insight here.
Al and Franni came to our rehearsal in Chanhassen and Al sang some tunes with us (there are some pictures on my page). It was just the Frankens and the band, and we had a great time socializing, not politicking.
Critics were wondering why Franken didn't come out and defend himself about the Playboy flap. Well, he did, but not to the public. He's a very smart guy and he was focusing on the delegates, and to good effect.
If you are like me and do not enjoy pornography, the great thing is you don't have to see it, it's your choice.
Yet the obscenity that is the Bush administration is suffered by us all, we can't turn it off or ignore it.
In my mind the neo-cons and right-wingers like Karl Rove make Larry Flynt seem like a Boy Scout by comparison!
(Note: I do hope porn is banned from the Internet - this is not free speech but exploitation and my kids have been exposed to it - a topic for another discussion).
Al Franken will now have the bully pulpit and I can assure you he will put it to good use. This is going to be great!
Seems like a Real Person...
He'd do the Senate great good...
nice photo too Diana!
What the heck, I would vote for him. Gotta be better than Coleman.