Democrat - Challenger
Endorsed for U.S. Senate by Council for a Livable World

Award-winning satirist, comedian, entertainer and author Al Franken fought off several tough challengers to win the crucial Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party endorsement this June.

Franken's campaign to oust Bush supporter GOP Senator Norm Coleman has captured the imagination of Minnesota voters. The National Journal reported "He's good enough, He's smart enough, and doggone it, people like him."

Many party professionals, who a year ago questioned whether a comedian could be taken seriously, have been converted by Franken's great race.

Franken has been endorsed by over a dozen labor unions, representing over a quarter million members and retirees, and their families. And he's been endorsed by over 60 state legislators.

Politically, for much of the 20th Century, Minnesota has provided the nation with some of its most articulate and progressive leaders - Eugene McCarthy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale and Paul Wellstone.

This election for the U.S. Senate is for Wellstone's seat, which he would be occupying today if not for the tragic airplane accident in 2002 shortly before the election that cost his life as well as his wife and staff members who perished with him. One of the most progressive and authentic politicians in American history, Wellstone is remembered with the greatest respect by friend and foe alike.

The Republican incumbent, Norman Coleman, won that tragic election, and has compiled a record that is the exact opposite of Paul Wellstone. A former Democrat and Mayor of St. Paul, Coleman has been a staunch supporter of President Bush on virtually every issue.

Eighteen times out of 22 in 2007, Coleman voted against changing direction in Iraq, choosing instead to give George Bush a blank check to continue his failed policy. Coleman received a dismal 0% and 16% on the last two Council for a Livable World voting records, voting to proceed with the Nuclear Bunker Buster, for National Missile Defense, against increased funding for the United Nations and for the U.S.-India nuclear deal. When it came time to stop detainee abuse, he sided with the President and torture.

Al Franken is in the progressive tradition of Minnesota Democratic leaders. His positions include:

Franken did not initially oppose the war in Iraq, reluctant to disbelieve former Secretary of State Colin Powell. However, he soon recognized that the Bush Administration had led the country to war under false pretenses and advocates bringing U.S troops home:

"I support immediately beginning the process of bringing our troops home. If I had been in the Senate, I would have voted for amendments offered by Senators Levin and Reed to set a date certain for withdrawing American combat forces from Iraq - amendments that Senator Coleman has opposed again and again."

Al Franken is a most unusual candidate for public office. Once the star of the television hit show "Saturday Night Live," he has written several best-selling books on politics and been the host of Air America Radio's flagship program that put progressive talk radio on the map.

Born in New York in 1951, Franken's family moved to Minnesota when he was four years old. He left the state to attend Harvard College and build his career, then moved back to Minnesota. This Senate contest is his first run for office.

Democrats do well in Minnesota elections. The Governor is a Republican but Democrats control the state senate by 44 - 23 and the state House by 85 - 49. In the 2004 presidential election, John Kerry carried Minnesota 51% - 48%; in 2000, Gore beat Bush 48% - 46%.

Council for a Livable World believes it is important to defeat Senator Norman Coleman and to elect challenger Al Franken. Franken will be a highly visible and knowledgeable Senator who will make his presence felt on progressive issues.

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