TPMDC Al Franken
Al Franken
Al Franken: Congress Needs To Vote On Libya
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
MINNEAPOLIS -- Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) told TPM this morning that if the President Obama wants to keep bombing Libya, he'll need to ask Congress' permission.
"We're going to have to vote," Franken said shortly after his speech to the Netroots Nation crowd gathered here in his home state Saturday.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Libya, Netroots Nation, netroots2011
Apple
Apple To Franken: We Do Not Track iPhone Users' Locations
iphone 4
Apple, Inc., "is deeply committed to protecting the privacy of our customers who use Apple mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and iPod touch," a company representative told a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Tuesday.
"Apple does not track users' locations -- Apple has never done so and has no plans to do so," Dr. Guy "Bud" Tribble, vice president for software technology at Apple Inc., said in prepared testimony before the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Apple
Social Security
Senate Democrats Rally Against Social Security Cuts
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
With Republicans pledging to address entitlement spending this year, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) led a rally in the Capitol on Monday to protest any cuts to Social Security.
While Republican budget cuts currently under negotiation would not touch benefits, Reid warned that a proposed $1.7 billion cut to the Social Security Administration would "really hurt Social Security" by reducing the program's ability to quickly process claims.
"They cut the money to allow Social Security to be funded properly so they can administer the programs they need," Reid said.
Attendees chanted "Raise the cap!" in response to a call by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) to fund the program by expanding taxes to higher incomes rather than lowering benefits or raising the retirement age.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 112th Congress, Al Franken, Dick Durbin, Harry Reid, Paul Ryan, Social Security, Tom Harkin
Net Neutrality
Key Senators Block GOP Efforts To Upend Net Neutrality
Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)
Four Democratic senators are warning key leaders not to use the threat of a government shutdown to block the FCC from implementing net neutrality rules.
In a letter they're circulating to colleagues, Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) say the Senate should not lend support to House GOP efforts to block the rules.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, John Kerry, Maria Cantwell, Net Neutrality, Ron Wyden
Abortion
GOP Backs Massive Tax Increase To Phase Out Abortion Coverage By Private Insurers
Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and John Boehner (R-OH)
The House GOP continues to place its heaviest emphasis on fighting abortion rights, and they've taken a lot of heat for it. Progressives, Democrats, pro-choice groups, and others have spared little criticism, but they've focused most heavily on three distinct lines: the fact that Republicans are ignoring job-creation as a priority; the fact that one of their pieces of legislation would allow hospitals to refuse to perform an abortion on a dying woman; and the fact that, until recently at least, the GOP wanted to limit tax-payer support for abortion to exclude incidences of non-forcible rape.
Here's another one: The GOP's plan to ban tax-payer money from funding abortions includes giant tax hikes for businesses.
More specifically, it would eliminate tax incentives on employer-provided health care benefits if those benefits cover abortion as a medical procedure.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Abortion, Al Franken, Barbara Boxer, Chamber of Commerce, Eric Cantor, Health Care, Health Care Implementation, Jerrold Nadler, Repealing health care
Congress
On The Floor: Ten Great Moments From Congress In 2010 (VIDEO)
As the year comes to a close, and we look ahead to all the wild and wacky things that are sure to happen in the new Republican-controlled House and only narrowly Democratic-controlled Senate, let's take a look back at the past year. A whole lot of amazing and memorable moments happened not only on the campaign trail, but on the two Congressional floors in the Capitol itself.
We've gathered together 10 unforgettable moments from the House and Senate in 2010. Some of them are great -- while others are just so bad that they're good.
But all of them give some perspective on the people who have been running our government, or who are about to have even more power next year. So sit back, relax, and laugh -- because it's better than crying.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 9/11, Al Franken, Anthony Weiner, Bernie Sanders, Charlie Rangel, Chris Dodd, Congress, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Filibuster, House of Representatives, John Boehner, John McCain, Louie Gohmert, Randy Neugebauer, Senate '10, Steve King, Terror Babies
Bush Tax Cuts
Al Franken Holds His Nose And Votes For Obama's 'Bad Policy'
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) voted to end debate on the Bush tax cut compromise yesterday, but he's not happy about it. In a strongly-worded statement sent to his supporters today, Franken pokes at President Obama for negotiating the deal, which he called "bad policy."
"A lot of people are unhappy that the President punted on first down, and I'm one of them," Franken wrote in the message to supporters. "Extending the Bush tax breaks for the super-wealthy will explode our deficit over the next two years without doing anything to help our economy."
Though Franken had harsh words for the president who created the tax cut deal, he was among the 79 Senators to vote for cloture on the plan, helping it move forward to almost assured passage in the Senate today. Franken's reasons for supporting the compromise are similar to the ones Obama has when selling the plan: without the deal, unemployed families would lose their government support, something Franken calls unacceptable.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Bush Tax Cuts
Bush Tax Cuts
Schumer: Large Appetite To Fight Even If All Bush Tax Cuts Expire
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY)
At a press conference this morning after Senate Republicans blocked a bid to let Bush tax cuts for wealthy Americans expire, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said a large number of Democrats are prepared to continue this fight into next year, even if it means all the Bush tax cuts sunset as scheduled.
In response to a question from TPM, Schumer acknowledged, "there are lots of people in our caucus who do have that appetite. There are some who don't."
As he said that, several members joining him on stage -- Mark Begich (D-AK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) -- nodded in agreement.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Bush Tax Cuts, Chuck Schumer, Mark Begich, Sheldon Whitehouse, Sherrod Brown, Tax Cuts, White House
MN-SEN
Key Lawyer: False '08 MN-SEN Voter-Fraud Complaints Are Waste Of Time
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
You know those efforts by conservatives to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Sen. Al Franken's (D-MN) election in that drawn-out recount, by searching high and low for alleged voter fraud? The head of Minnesota's County Attorneys Association, John Kingrey, says that they're taking up local prosecutors' time with false reports.
As we've previously noted, the conservative group Minnesota Majority submitted a (dubious) report alleging that hundreds of felons had illegally voted in the 2008 Senate race. After the counties investigated the report -- as they are required under state law to do, when it comes to allegations of election fraud -- it was found that the report contained errors such as identifying the wrong people, or naming felons who could legally vote after serving their full sentences.
At a press conference Monday with Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota, a group formed after the 2004 election to mobilize against reported problems with electronic voting machines and other potential problems of voter disenfranchisement, Kingrey called the reports of voter fraud "wildly overstated," and said he knew of only one prosecution of voter fraud.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, MN-SEN, Minnesota Majority, Norm Coleman
DE-SEN
Watch As Christine O'Donnell Frustrates Stars Of The 90s (VIDEO)
Al Franken and Christine O'Donnell on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher in 1997
Long before she was frustrating her Democratic opponent Chris Coons with her allegations that he's a closet Marxist, Delaware GOP Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell was busy aggravating celebrities on Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect.
Maher dropped another O'Donnell clip on his HBO program Real Time on Friday. This one wasn't focused so much on the things O'Donnell said as it was the way guests reacted.
Amongst the celebrities featured in the clip -- many of whom O'Donnell left exasperated -- are Al Franken, Bob Saget, Ben Affleck, Danny Bonaduce, Dana Carvey, magician Penn Jillet, Jimmy Kimmel, actor Patrick Duffy (the dad on Step by Step) and Sisqó, of "Thong Song" fame. "Ah, the 90s!" jokes Maher at the end of the montage.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 2010 elections, Al Franken, Bill Maher, Chris Coons, Christine O'Donnell, DE-SEN, HBO, Senate '10
DE-SEN
From Affleck To Al Franken, How Christine O'Donnell Capitalized On Her Star Power
Christine O'Donnell with Ben Affleck (inset)
When she ran for Senate in 2006, Christine O'Donnell made sure the first line of her bio page indicated she was on the verge of celebrity:
Ben Affleck called her sassy.Al Franken described her as "the girl you hate to love."
In her 2008 campaign bio, she went with a similar theme:
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 2010 elections, Al Franken, Ben Affleck, Christine O'Donnell, DE-SEN, James Carville, SALT, Senate '10, The Passion of the Christ
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Al Franken Chokes Up Over Don't Ask, Don't Tell (VIDEO)
Shortly after Senate Republicans and two Democrats blocked a vote to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Sen. Al Franken gave an impassioned speech on the Senate floor.
Franken (D-MN) told a story about one of his trips to entertain the troops when he was a comedian, and started to choke up over the people who told him they were gay. You can watch him get emotional as he tells the story below.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)Topics: Al Franken, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Senate
Cordoba House
The Dems Who Have Spoken For Cordoba House
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
With all the attention we've given to politicians who have attacked the Muslim community center set to be built near Ground Zero in New York, let's take a different look at the story: A list of the Democratic politicians who have stood up in support of it.
Opposition to the project has been brewing for weeks, and the issue came to a head a week and a half ago, when President Obama voiced his support for the right of organizers to build it.
[TPM SLIDESHOW: Hundreds Protest Islamic Center In Downtown Manhattan]
Since, some Dems have come out and said that the project should be moved -- most notably Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), who nevertheless affirmed the right of Muslims to build it. So let's look at the other side of the equation: Dems who have spoken out on the project's behalf, both before and after Obama's remarks.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 'Ground Zero Mosque', Al Franken, Alexi Giannoulias, Carolyn Maloney, Charlie Crist, Cordoba House , Dick Durbin, Jerrold Nadler, Joe Sestak, Keith Ellison, Kirsten Gillibrand, PA-SEN, Russ Feingold, Senate '10, WI-SEN
Al Franken
Police: Whatever Hit Window Of Al Franken's Condo Has Not Been Found
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Police are investigating an incident that broke a window pane at Sen. Al Franken's Minneapolis condo, but whatever object caused the damage has not been found.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken
Cordoba House
Franken: Attacks On Cordoba House 'One Of The Most Disgraceful Things That I've Heard'
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) is slamming conservative opposition to the Muslim community center project near Ground Zero in New York City -- the city where he formerly resided for many years -- calling the attacks against it "one of the most disgraceful things that I've heard."
Franken made the remarks during an appearance in Springfield, Illinois, the State Journal-Register reports, at an event for Democratic county chairmen. Franken also alluded to the unfamiliarity with New York City that many people actually have in regard to this story. "I don't know how many of you have been to New York, but if a building is two blocks away from anything, you can't see it," said Franken.
Franken got in a joke, as well: "It's a community center. They're going to have a gym. They're going to have point guards. Muslim point guards."
On a more serious note, he also added: "They (Republicans) do this every two years. They try to find a wedge issue, and they try to work it."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (5)Topics: 'Ground Zero Mosque', Al Franken, Cordoba House
Elizabeth Warren
Franken, Progressive Groups Begin Whip Campaign For Elizabeth Warren
Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel created to oversee the expenditure of TARP, Elizabeth Warren.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee and its new affiliate, the P St. Project, will launch a public campaign this week with the help of Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) to whip up support in the Senate for Elizabeth Warren's nomination and confirmation to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
PCCC, in partnership with the progressive group CREDO, rounded up 200,000 petition signatures in support of Warren, and will now team up with Franken to urge members to publicly commit to voting for her.
"Elizabeth Warren has proven that she is willing to stand up to Wall Street on behalf of consumers and is the logical choice to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," Franken said. "If appointed by President Obama, I would vote to confirm Elizabeth Warren to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (3)Topics: Al Franken, Chris Dodd, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Elizabeth Warren, Financial Reform, Robert Gibbs, Ted Kaufman, Wall Street, White House
Filibuster Reform
Freshman Dems Push To End The Filibuster, Face Dem Opposition
Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
With a depleted majority expected next January, Democrats will have a decision to make: accept (no) business as usual in the Senate; or change the rules to erode Republicans' ability to obstruct legislation. It's an issue that few in the caucus are prepared to grapple with, and many would prefer to ignore, but a cadre of Democratic freshman plan to force it on day one of the 112th Congress. At stake will likely be the functioning of the federal government, and the party's ability to restore the economy and deliver on their agenda. Yet despite such a stark choice, some in their own party are encouraging them to back off, and even supporters are damping expectations of success.
The leader of the push for rules reform is Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM), whose black cowboy boots and western twang complement his rebellious streak: he thinks the Senate is enamored of itself, hostile to change, and that it's time for all that to end.
"You have to be responsive to what you see, and what you see is a broken institution, and you have to reform that institution," Udall told TPMDC in his Senate office this week.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Chris Dodd, Filibuster, Filibuster Reform, Senate, Tom Udall
Netroots Nation
Franken: 'If Republicans Take Over Congress, They'll Implement A Truly Dangerous Agenda' (VIDEO)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Las Vegas -- Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) last night told progressive activists and bloggers that they have a responsibility to stay engaged during the crucial midterm elections -- lest they allow Republicans to not just roll back the Obama administration's real gains, but enact an agenda he called "dangerous." Franken then acknowledged that it's a tough election year but, especially in Sen. Harry Reid's home state, Reid (D-NV) shouldn't be underestimated.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (2)Topics: Al Franken, Netroots Nation
MN-SEN
Right Wing Howls: Felons Put Franken Over The Top! (Nope)
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R), Senator Al Franken (D-MN) and former Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN)
The right-wing media has been going ape over a study from Minnesota Majority, a conservative group in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, claiming that hundreds of felons illegally voted in the disputed 2008 Senate race that ultimately saw comedian and Democratic activist Al Franken defeat incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman by a mere 312 votes out of 2.9 million. But is there any validity to it? Nope.
Fox News -- an outlet that has a long-running bad relationship with Franken -- claims: "The final recount vote in the race, determined six months after Election Day, showed Franken beat Coleman by 312 votes -- fewer votes than the number of felons whose illegal ballots were counted, according to Minnesota Majority's newly released study, which matched publicly available conviction lists with voting records."
But were there really so many illegal ballots? And did they all go for Al Franken? As TPM's in-house expert on that roller-coaster of an election, recount and litigation, allow me to walk you through all the problems with this new claim -- plus the small kernel of truth that lies within.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: 2008 campaign, Al Franken, MN-SEN, Norm Coleman, Tim Pawlenty
KY-SEN
Franken Raises Money To Oppose Rand Paul -- And He Likes Brunch
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) is jumping on the controversies surrounding Rand Paul's statements against parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sending out a new fundraising e-mail from his Midwest Values PAC asking for cash to help Kentucky Senate Democratic nominee Jack Conway.
"On Wednesday, Rand Paul couldn't answer a simple question of whether or not he supported desegregating lunch counters - a viewpoint so unbelievably dated it doesn't belong in this century, much less a 2010 campaign," writes Franken.
Franken appeals to his grassroots donor base to help out both Conway and Pennsylvania Senate nominee Joe Sestak -- with the former comedian also offering up a Borscht Belt-style side remark: "I can't count on brunches with lobbyists and special interest types to fund MVP to help Jack and Joe, though brunch (especially on the weekend) is delicious and may be my favorite meal, so I'm counting on you."
(Via the Star Tribune.)
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (2)Topics: 2010 elections, Al Franken, Fundraising, Jack Conway, Joe Sestak, KY-SEN, PA-SEN, Rand Paul, Senate '10
Al Franken
O'Reilly Lectures Blogger On Etiquette: Don't Disrespect Al Franken (VIDEO)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and Bill O'Reilly
Something truly amazing happened last night on The O'Reilly Factor: Bill O'Reilly scolded his guest, Human Events editor and video blogger Jason Mattera, for being rude to O'Reilly's long-time nemesis, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN).
Mattera posted a YouTube video a week and a half ago of himself conducting an ambush interview of Franken in the Capitol Hill hallways, in which Mattera asked questions about the health care bill and then frequently interrupted Franken as he attempted to answer. At one point, he addressed Franken as "Sen. Smalley," referring to Franken's old Saturday Night Live character Stuart Smalley, the neurotic self-help talk show host. The term "Sen. Smalley" has become a term of derision for Franken among the right.
And for that particular slight, O'Reilly chewed Mattera out.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)Topics: Al Franken, Bill O'Reilly, Health Care, Jason Mattera
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Today: The Texas Primary
Voters are headed to the polls today in the Texas primaries, to pick nominees for governor and other offices. Incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Perry is being challenged by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Tea Party activist Debra Medina. Perry has been well ahead in the polls, but the big question is whether he will be able to surpass the 50% needed to avoid a runoff election in April.
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:15 a.m. ET. Obama will depart the White House at 9:45 a.m. ET, take off from Andrews Air Force Base at 10 a.m. ET, and arrive at 11:35 a.m. ET in Savannah, Georgia. He will tour Savannah Technical College at 11:55 a.m. ET, and deliver remarks on jobs and the economy at 12:30 p.m. ET. He will tour a local manufacturing facility at 1:20 p.m. ET, and tour a local small business at 2:50 p.m. ET. He will depart from Savannah at 3:40 p.m. ET. arriving back at Andrews Air Force Base at 5 p.m. ET, and back at the White House at 5:15 p.m. ET.
Topics: 2010 elections, Al Franken, Barack Obama, CA-GOV, Debra Medina, Federal Reserve, Jerry Brown, Joe Biden, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Rick Perry, Roundup, TX-GOV
Al Franken
Franken E-mail: I Ask For Your Support -- And By 'Support' I Mean 'Money'
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) could be beginning to let his sense of humor show itself again, after a mostly low-key tenure so far in public office. A new fundraising e-mail from the Minnesota senator displays a certain self-awareness on the part of the comedian-turned-politician about the absurdities that usually show up in these sorts of things.
The e-mail seeks to parlay Franken's opposition to the NBC-Comcast merger into some campaign contributions. "And as much as I don't trust Comcast and NBC to be honest brokers on this deal, I am trusting you to help me build support for my positions on issues like this one," Franken writes. "And as usual, by 'support' I mean 'money.'"
The e-mail also includes a graphic with the corporate logos "Comcast + NBC," contained inside a "no" symbol of a circle with a line through it. The caption declares: "Support The Vocal Opposition (ME)!" Check it out after the jump.
(Via the Star-Tribune.)
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Biden: I've Never Seen The Filibuster Be 'Standard Operating Procedure' Before
Vice President Biden is continuing his criticism of the increased use of the filibuster. "It's a useful tool, it is legitimate. But from my perspective, having served here, elected to the Senate seven times, I've never seen a time when it's become standard operating procedure. You want to get anything done, you have to have a supermajority," Biden told reporters, also adding: "Any President in the future, having to move through anything he or she wants, requiring a supermajority, it's not a good way to do business."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the economic daily briefing at 9 a.m. ET, and the presidential daily briefing at 9:15 a.m. ET. He will attend and deliver remarks at a memorial service at CIA Headquarters, at 10:30 a.m. ET. He will meet with a group of small business owners at 12:10 p.m. ET in Lanham, Maryland, and deliver remarks on job creation and small business initiatives. He will meet at the White House with the 2009 Little League World Champions, at 2:20 p.m. ET. He will meet at 2:45 p.m. ET with senior advisers.
Topics: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Chuck Grassley, David Axelrod, Joe Biden, Max Baucus, Parker Griffith, Roundup, Scott Brown
Al Franken
Franken: Pro-Reform Bumper Stickers Have 'Just Way Too Many Words'
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) spoke to a group of health care reform activists today, and called upon the House of Representatives to pass the Senate bill. He also discussed the political disadvantages that reform advocates face.
"The opponents of reform have found their bumper sticker, their slogan, their rallying cry, it's one word: No. You can read that on a bumper," said Franken. "Our bumper sticker has -- it's just way too many words. And it says, 'Continued on next bumper sticker.'"
Franken also sought to calm liberals' objections to the Senate bill: "We have to stop letting perfect be the enemy of the merely very good. And I believe that the bill we passed in the Senate is a very good foundation on which to build."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (3)Topics: Al Franken, Health Care
Health Care
Franken: We'll Pass Health Care 'One Way Or The Other'
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) today said health care reform will pass no matter the outcome of today's special election in Massachusetts.
He told Minnesota Public Radio that reform will pass "one way or the other." (Franken also posted a link to the story on his Senate site.)
If the Republican candidate for Senate wins today, Democrats will lose their 60-seat super-majority. Some say that loss will kill health care reform for good.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Democrats, Health Care, MA-SEN, Nancy Pelosi
Norm Coleman
Norm Coleman Not Running For Governor Of Minnesota
Fmr. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), who lost reelection in 2008 by a very narrow and legally disputed margin to Democrat Al Franken, announced last night that he will not run for governor of Minnesota this year.
"Timing is everything. The timing on this race is both a bit too soon and a bit too late," Coleman wrote on his Facebook page, alluding to the upcoming state Republican convention and its endorsement process. "It is too soon after my last race and too late to do a proper job of seeking the support of delegates who will decide in which direction our party should go. The commitments I have to my family and the work I am currently engaged in do not allow me to now go forward."
At the same time, Coleman said he would remain involved in politics: "I think I can be part of recreating a more civil and respectful politics, a politics that better expresses the will of the vast majority of people. I will continue my efforts to work with Republicans, Independents and moderate, common sense Democrats across the country to advance the values of fiscal responsibility, entrepreneurship, effective government change, national security and respect for life."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, MN-GOV, Norm Coleman
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Obama On His First Year: 'A Lot Of Those Promises Have Been Kept'
In an interview with the Washington Post, President Obama said that in his first year in office he has fulfilled or is on the way to completing his stated objectives. "Overall, if you had a checklist of promises made, a lot of those promises have been kept," Obama said. "When those things are complete, and I think they will be, we will have achieved a fundamental shift in health care, energy, education and our financial regulatory system that will put this economy on a firmer footing to grow over the long term."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will be interviewed at 1:45 p.m. ET by NPR's Julie Rovner and Robert Siegel. He will have another interview at 2:15 p.m. ET, with PBS's Jim Lehrer.
Topics: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Health Care, Joe Biden, John Cornyn, PhRMA, Roundup, Teresa Heinz Kerry, Timothy Geithner
Al Franken
Senate GOPers: It's Al Franken's Fault We're Being Attacked For Votes Against Anti-Rape Amendment
Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Al Franken (D-MN).
The Politico reports that Senate Republicans are outraged at Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) due to their votes against an amendment he introduced, to crack down on the rape of employees of military contractors, now being used against them:
The Republicans are steamed at Franken because partisans on the left are using a measure he sponsored to paint them as rapist sympathizers -- and because Franken isn't doing much to stop them.
"Trying to tap into the natural sympathy that we have for this victim of this rape --and use that as a justification to frankly misrepresent and embarrass his colleagues, I don't think it's a very constructive thing," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said in an interview.
...
"I don't know what his motivation was for taking us on, but I would hope that we won't see a lot of Daily Kos-inspired amendments in the future coming from him," said South Dakota Sen. John Thune, No. 4 in the Senate Republican leadership. "I think hopefully he'll settle down and do kind of the serious work of legislating that's important to Minnesota."
No, this is not The Onion.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (4)Topics: Al Franken, John Cornyn, John Thune
Michele Bachmann
Franken Raising Money For Bachmann Opponent Clark
Senator Al Franken (D-MN), Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), one of the most prominent liberals in his state, is now raising money for state Sen. Tarryl Clark, the leading Democratic candidate to challenge one of Minnesota's most prominent conservatives, Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann.
Interestingly, Franken shies away from directly attacking Bachmann in a new fundraising letter, but instead praises Clark's record in public service. The closest he gets to a direct attack on Bachmann is this:
P.S. The eyes of the nation - and Michele Bachmann's right-wing allies - will be on this race. You can make sure Tarryl gets off to a strong start by joining Franni and me in supporting her today.
Franken's wife Franni has already been involved in fundraising for Clark's campaign. Clark has an opponent for the nomination, Maureen Reed, a former state university regent and the 2006 Independence Party nominee for Lt. Governor.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)Topics: Al Franken, House '10, MN-06, Michele Bachmann, Tarryl Clark
Franni Franken
Franni Franken Working To Defeat Bachmann -- And Becoming Friends With Bachmann, Too!
Franni Franken, Rep. Michele Bachman (R-MN)
Sen. Al Franken's (D-MN) wife Franni has been taking an active role in his Senate office and in Minnesota politics, the Star-Tribune reports in a new profile of her -- and could be making some very unlikely friends along the way:
Franni Franken has also begun to explore the political side as well as the policy and will co-host a fundraiser this month for Tarryl Clark, a state senator seeking the DFL endorsement in a race to unseat Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann.PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)
But when Franken found herself this summer sitting on an airplane next to Bachmann, the two bonded unexpectedly over a love of good deals and spent the plane ride swapping local bargain spots.
Topics: Al Franken, Franni Franken, House '10, MN-06, Michele Bachmann, Senate '10
Roundup
TPMDC Morning Roundup
NYT: Withdrawal From Iraq Daunting, Complicated
The New York Times reports that the withdrawal from Iraq is an enormous logistical task: "By itself, such a withdrawal would be daunting, but it is further complicated by attacks from an insurgency that remains active; the sensitivities of the Iraqi government about a visible American presence; disagreements with the Iraqis about what will be left for them; and consideration for what equipment is urgently needed in Afghanistan."
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at 10:30 a.m. ET, presumably on his having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He will meet with Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) at 11:35 a.m. ET. He will meet with Vice President Biden at 12:30 p.m. ET for lunch. At 1:40 p.m. ET, he and Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner will meet with five Americans who have been hurt by outdated rules regulating the financial sector, and Obama will deliver remarks on regulatory reform at 2 p.m. ET. Obama will meet with his national security team on Afghanistan and Pakistan at 2:30 p.m. ET. Finally, the President and First Lady will host a barbecue for Secret Service members and their families on the South Lawn.
Topics: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Iraq, Nobel Peace Prize, Olympia Snowe, Roundup, Sarah Palin
Barack Obama
TPMDC Morning Roundup
New DNC Ad: Tell Republicans To "Stop The Lies" On Health Reform
The Democratic National Committee has a new ad on health care, attacking Republican leaders for "trying to scare seniors about health reform." The ad will air on national cable and in Washington, D.C.
"Tell Republicans: Stop the lies on health reform," the announcer says.
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will tour a laboratory at the National Institutes of Health at 10:25 a.m. ET, with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Obama will make a major announcement regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at 11 a.m. ET. He will sign the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act in the Oval Office at 1:30 p.m. ET, honoring the legendary golfer. At 3 p.m. ET, he will meet with his national security team on Afghanistan.
Topics: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Beau Biden, Cap-and-Trade, Climate Change, DNC, Joe Biden, Michelle Obama, Olympics, Pres '12, Rick Santorum
Barack Obama
TPMDC Morning Roundup
Poll: Americans Continue To Worry About The Economy
A new AP/GfK poll finds that 80% of Americans rate the condition of the economy as poor, and a majority continue to worry about their own ability to make ends meet. In addition, 68% worry about big, unexpected medical expenses, up 7 percent from July. In a silver lining for President Obama, only 20% blame him for the economic crisis, compared to 54% who blame George W. Bush, and 19% who blame Bill Clinton.
Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from the White House at 9:55 a.m. ET, arriving in New York City at 11:05 a.m. ET. He will deliver a major speech on the financial crisis at 12:10 p.m. ET, marking the one-year anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers. He will depart from New York at 3:35 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 4:45 p.m. ET.
Topics: Al Franken, Bailout, Barack Obama, Health Care, John Thune, Supreme Court
Barack Obama
TPMDC Saturday Roundup
Obama: Losing Insurance Can Happen To Anybody
In this week's YouTube address, President Obama warned that losing health insurance is something that can happen to anybody -- and according to a new report from the Treasury Department, it will happen to half of all Americans under 65, unless something is done about it:
"If you're under the age of 21 today, chances are more than half that you'll find yourself uninsured at some point in that time. And more than one-third of Americans will go without coverage for longer than one year," said Obama. "I refuse to allow that future to happen. In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they'll go without health insurance - not for one year, not for one month, not for one day. And once I sign my health reform plan into law - they won't."
Cornyn: Instead of More Speeches, Obama Should Listen To Republicans
In this week's Republican address, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) praised President Obama for taking a bipartisan approach to the Afghanistan War -- and attacked Obama's health care proposals:
"He's paid lip service to bipartisanship while rejecting the ideas that would build bipartisan support," said Cornyn. "As a result, the President has alienated not only independents and divided his own party, but Republicans as well. And, he's ignored the clear wishes of the American people. So the President gave another big speech this week to try to turn his numbers around. But instead of talking, the President and Congressional Democrats should spend a little more time listening."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)Topics: ACORN, Afghanistan, Al Franken, Barack Obama, Census, Health Care, Joe Wilson, John Cornyn, MA-SEN, Tea Party, Tom Harkin
Barack Obama
TPMDC Saturday Roundup
Obama: Economic Situation Improving, But More Work Needed
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama said that the latest GDP numbers show that the stimulus bill is working, and that the economy is on the way to recovery -- but there is still work to be done:
"This won't happen overnight. As I've said before, it will take many more months to fully dig ourselves out of a recession - a recession that we've now learned was even deeper than anyone thought," said Obama. "But I'll continue to work every day, and take every step necessary, to make sure that happens. I also want to make sure that we don't return to an economy where our growth is based on inflated profits and maxed-out credit cards - because that doesn't create a lot of jobs. Even as we rescue this economy, we must work to rebuild it stronger than before."
GOP Address: "Republicans Want Health Care Reform That Works"
In this weekend's Republican address, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) warned against a government takeover of health care by the Democrats:
"Republicans want health care reform that works. Reform that brings down costs for families and small businesses, and reform that provides better care to more people," said Thune. "On all these points, the current proposals by the President and the Democrat leadership in Congress fall short. Their plan for government-run health care would disrupt our current system and force millions of Americans who currently enjoy their employer-based coverage into a new health care plan run by government bureaucrats."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Health Care, Mike Huckabee, Sonia Sotomayor, Stimulus, Supreme Court
Al Franken
Franken's Dogs-For-Veterans Bill Passes Senate
He's only been in office for two and a half weeks, but Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) has already passed legislation in the chamber, his office announced -- his pilot program to fund service dogs for disabled veterans, which was incorporated by unanimous consent into the Defense Authorization bill that passed last night.
Franken introduced the measure along with Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and had additional cosponsors from both sides of the aisle: Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Mark Begich (D-AK), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and John Ensign (R-NV).
This is not the final piece of legislation, as the Defense Authorization will still have to go through the conference committee process. That said, the chances are probably very good that the Franken-Isakson Service Dogs for Veterans Act will be in the bill that gets signed by President Obama.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (5)Topics: Al Franken
Al Franken
Franken Teams Up With Republican Senator
When Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) was originally running for Senate, a lot of people doubted that he would be able to effectively reach across the other side of the aisle and work with Republicans. But, as we can see from his first major initiative, he's already getting a start on that.
In the last few days, Franken announced a proposal to fund service dogs for disabled veterans. And it turns out, from a press release his office put out yesterday, that his main co-sponsor is a Republican Senator, Johnny Isakson of Georgia.
Franken really has come a long way since 2003, when he wrote Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. "But, you know what, I don't want to get into a whole partisan politics thing here," he wrote at the time. "Not in this book, anyway. We'll leave that for my next book, I F------ Hate Those Right-Wing Motherf-----s!, due out in October 2004."
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (2)Topics: Al Franken
Al Franken
Poll: Franken's Favorable Rating Improves In Wake Of Legal Battle
A new Rasmussen poll has some fairly decent news for Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), who has of course just emerged from a recount and a six-month long legal battle to take his new political office, with his favorable ratings improving from past lows.
The poll finds Franken's favorable rating at 49%, with 49% disapproval. While that would be considered lukewarm for most politicians, consider the fact that Franken and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) went though a particularly brutal campaign that saw each of them get only 42% of the vote, and both had low favorables and high unfavorables as recently as May.
Interestingly, Coleman is also at 49%-49%, as he reportedly contemplates a run for governor. It's probably a safe bet that the two sets of people who like Franken or like Coleman don't overlap very much.
The poll also finds that 60% of Minnesotans think he can still be an effective Senator, despite the late start.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (0)Topics: Al Franken, Norm Coleman
Al Franken
Minnesota GOP Writes Big Check To...Al Franken?
Yup, you've read that headline correctly.
The Minnesota Republican Party has tied off a remaining loose end from the epic, eight-month battle to determine a winner in the 2008 Minnesota Senate race, sending Democratic Sen. Al Franken's campaign a check for almost $96,000 that was owed to him by Republican former Sen. Norm Coleman's campaign.
This had been the result of a trial-court judgement in early June, finding Coleman liable under the state's loser-pays provision for a small portion of the legal fees that Franken had piled up in the course of the election litigation.
Also, the state GOP's check to Franken includes $872 in interest, which had built up from it not being paid over the past month. Coleman had initially sought to delay the judgment until the appeals were done, as the state Supreme Court had not yet handed down its final ruling that Franken was the winner. Instead, the order to pay came down, and interest would have continued to build up as long as it was not paid.
PERMALINK | COMMENTS | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)Topics: Al Franken
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