SAINT PAUL [10/10/08] – Andy Barr, Communications Director:

“From the start, our campaign has focused on the change Minnesota needs. And we will continue to focus on our competing views of how our country has gone in the wrong direction, how we can curb the influence of special interests in Washington, and how we can get out of the tough economic situation we’re now in.

“Given that this week’s polls are clearly showing that Minnesotans are sick of Norm Coleman’s campaign of character assassination, today’s stunt rings as a cynical ploy designed to change the subject and avoid scrutiny of his own record. It’s like an arsonist burning down every house in the village and then asking to be named fire chief.

“It’s worth noting that even in his own statement, Norm Coleman makes it clear that he intends to continue attacking Al Franken. But we are proud of the campaign we’ve run, and we will remain focused on talking about the issues that matter to Minnesota and the change Al Franken wants to bring to Washington.”

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As Star Tribune and MPR Report Attack Ads Backfiring Against Coleman, Franken Campaign Releases New Spot Exposing The Truth

SAINT PAUL [10/09/08] – After media reports revealed that recent ads being run on Norm Coleman’s behalf were misrepresenting Al Franken’s tribute to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone in order to smear Franken, Franken’s campaign today released a new 60-second ad, “Disgrace.”

The ad features un-edited footage of Franken telling the same story about his friend Paul Wellstone that Coleman’s allies robbed of its context to create attack ads that have been called “false” and “among the most misleading” in the race.

Communications Director Andy Barr:

“Minnesotans are sick of Norm Coleman and the disgusting campaign to smear Al Franken. These lies are beneath the dignity of a United States Senator – and Norm Coleman should be ashamed of himself.”

Recent reports suggest that Coleman’s campaign of lies and personal attacks has backfired – with Minnesota Public Radio reporting that, by a 48%-21% margin, voters believe Coleman is primarily responsible for the negative campaign.

Full release after the jump…

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With Stock Market In Turmoil, Bush And Coleman’s Policies Would Have Cost Minnesota Seniors Their Financial Security

Franken Receives Endorsement Of National Committee To Preserve Social Security And Medicare – Joined By NCPSSM Executive Vice President Max Richtman And Local Seniors At News Conference

Coleman Supported Privatization, Opposed Cheaper Prescriptions – Minnesota Seniors Need New Leadership

SAINT PAUL [10/08/08] – With the stock market struggling in the wake of the Wall Street crisis, DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken today held a news conference with Rep. Betty McCollum, calling on Senator Norm Coleman to acknowledge that the Social Security privatization scheme supported by him and President Bush would have been a disaster for Minnesota seniors.

Franken was also joined by local seniors as well as Max Richtman, Executive Vice President of the National Committee To Preserve Social Security And Medicare, who conveyed the group’s endorsement.

Al Franken:

“Social Security is a critical promise we make to our parents, and to future generations – and it’s the foundation of financial security for many Minnesotans. But if George Bush and Norm Coleman had their way, that foundation would be crumbling beneath our feet. It’s time for Norm Coleman to admit that he has been just plain wrong on Social Security. And let’s not forget that he’s voted to let drug companies rip off Medicare to the tune of $30 billion a year. Minnesota seniors can’t trust Norm Coleman.”

Betty McCollum:

“Minnesota families are facing tough times — they need a champion in the Senate who will fight for them. That’s why I support Al Franken. Al is committed to fighting for middle-class tax cuts, more affordable college tuition, and policies that help Minnesota women balance work and family. Al’s opponent, Sen. Coleman, has been working for George Bush these past six years, not us. Al Franken will always put Minnesota first.”

Full release after the jump…

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Franken Challenges Coleman On Disastrous Plan That Would Take Away Insurance For Millions, Create New Tax, Primarily Benefit Insurance Companies

SAINT PAUL [10/06/08] – DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken today held a news conference calling on Norm Coleman to take a clear position on the health care plan of Republican nominee John McCain – a plan that would result in stripping as many as 20 million Americans of their health insurance, deregulating the insurance market, instituting the first-ever tax on health benefits, and removing important insurance protections currently in place for Minnesotans.

As many as 580,000 Minnesotans would lose their health insurance under McCain’s plan – and important guarantees like the right to have cancer screenings and childhood vaccinations covered could be threatened for Minnesotans who currently enjoy those protections.

Al Franken:

“I can say unequivocally that I will support Barack Obama’s plan. But John McCain’s health care policy would be a disaster for Americans. It would leave Minnesotans with worse health care than they have now by letting insurance companies run amok, instituting a new tax on health benefits, and potentially causing 580,000 Minnesotans to lose their insurance. Minnesotans deserve to know if Norm Coleman would stand up to this disastrous scheme in the event McCain becomes President.”

Full release after the jump…

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FRANKEN WINS FIRST DEBATE

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ROCHESTER [10/05/08] - In the first of five debates, DFL-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken led his opponents on substance, outlining his bold plans to help Minnesota’s middle class, fix our crumbling economy, end the war in Iraq, and restore trust in Washington.

Franken Communications Director Andy Barr:

“Al Franken spent tonight’s debate focused on the issues that matter to people - the economy, Iraq, energy prices - just like he has along the campaign trail. While Norm Coleman struggled to explain his record of supporting the failed policies of George Bush, including the $700 billion Wall Street bailout, Al Franken laid out his bold plans to help the middle class and change the way Washington works.”

In the key moment of the debate, Franken urged his opponents to keep the negative ads coming, since they are “nothing” compared to what middle class families are facing.
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