Al and Franni took southern Minnesota by storm on Saturday for a “Rebuilding the Middle Class Economy” Tour that took them from Worthington to North Mankato to Preston. Al and Franni split up their route so that they could talk to folks all over southern Minnesota about Al’s plans to create jobs in Minnesota and help our middle class families in these tough economic times.

The Frankens visited a total of 10 cities yesterday to hold campaign meet & greets with local folks from Fairmont to Rochester, and they got a great reception from the people who had come out to hear what Al wants to do to help Minnesota families ­ from middle class tax cuts to new support for small businesses.

Read coverage of the tour after the jump…

(more…)

Congressman Jim Oberstar joined Al in Hibbing and Duluth on Friday to talk about Al’s plan to help our small businesses create jobs. In Duluth, Al and Rep. Oberstar spoke at a locally-owned small business, W-Trek Outfitters.

From the Duluth News Tribune:

While Washington has responded to the economic crisis by directing billions of dollars to help bail out banks, U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken said Friday he has a plan to help the middle class by unfreezing credit for small businesses.

Franken, a Democrat, announced his plan at a Friday afternoon news conference at W-Trek Outfitters in Duluth. W-Trek Outfitter owner Nodin Morgenstern liked what he heard.

“I am afraid of what’s happening with the economy,” he said. “I know these guys are fighting for me, for small businesses. The plan sounds solid.”

…

Read more excerpts from the article after the jump…

(more…)

After Saturday’s debate at Breck High School, the reviews came pouring in: Al Franken spent the debate focused on the issues that matter to people. Al highlighted his plans to help Minnesotans, strengthen the middle class and create jobs. He may not have sounded like a typical Washington politician, but Al showed that he is ready to bring change to Washington as a United States Senator.

AP:

The debate saw plenty of discussion on the issues, but the candidates also used their first extended shot at a TV audience to stress the styles they hope will sway voters.

…

For Franken, it was a vow to put Minnesota’s middle class above special interests.

“This election isn’t about the three of us on the stage,” he said. “It’s about you, the people of Minnesota, who haven’t been getting a fair shake from Washington.”

Read more coverage of debate in the full entry…

(more…)

Franni visited the Brainerd DFL Office yesterday for lunch with our hard-working supporters and DFL activists, including Rep. John Ward (DFL-Brainerd).

Lakeland TV News came to check it out – watch their TV news coverage here (minute 10:20 of the broadcast). Local DFLers talked about their bustling volunteer activities and about Franni’s giant apple pies – and Franni reflected on the wonderful experience she’s had on the trail so far.

Or read the story from the Brainerd Dispatch (excerpts after the jump).

(more…)

TeamFranken headed to St. Cloud State University yesterday, where Al spoke about his idea for a $5000 college tuition tax credit so that Minnesota’s middle class families can help their kids pay for college.

Read the full post for an excerpt from the St. Cloud Times article about the event…

(more…)