Steve Sarvi just got back from Iraq - and he is challenging Republican Congressman John Kline in MN-2! During Steve’s service in Iraq he was responsible for numerous reconstruction projects. He built and repaired many hospitals, schools, and other public works projects. He believes that we need a change in Washington, from President Bush on down, and that is why he is running for Congress in Minnesota.

Jim Bootz is the Chair of the DFL Veterans Caucus. He started his speech introducing the audience to the DFL Veterans Caucus that grew out of the Minnesota’s for Kerry campaign in 2004. The DFL Veterans Caucus is an organization created to put Veteran’s issues on forefront and to make sure that Veterans are represented at all levels of government. The DFL Veterans Caucus endorsed Al for US Senate in 2008.

State Senator Steve Murphy capably emceed the rally - and former Navy Lt. Jim Judson is the first chair of Vets for Franken! The rally started with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Wellstone family, their legacy, and their extraordinary importance to Minnesotans. Senator Murphy offered his support to the Franken family, as they will be the best representatives to continue with Paul’s spirit of service and commitment to Minnesota.

Al visited 10 colleges and universities in 5 days on the first campus tour of the campaign. From round-table discussions, to breakfast meet-and-greets, to huge rallies - students are excited about Al's candidacy. Students can get involved with the campaign by visiting alfranken.com/facebook and joining, or even better founding, a local 'students for Al' group.

The third fundraising quarter is in the books, the Franken campaign raised closed to 1.9 million dollars. This is a great opportunity to learn how Al feels about campaign finance reform. He believes that the lobbyists and special interests are controlling elections, taking legislatures away from their jobs, and telling them how to vote. This is unacceptable to Al and he is proud to say that he does not rely on special interests to fund his campaign.

Check out this video from Minnesota’s biggest get together, the Minnesota State Fair. Several fairgoers had the opportunity to voice their opinion on why Norm Coleman needs to be replaced by Al this election. Among most of the supporters, they voiced the need for change in the US Senate. Check out this video to see the opinion of real Minnesotans (and also a few candid shots of Al with some of his dedicated volunteers.)

This week, President Bush visits a private home in Eden Prairie to raise money for Norm Coleman. Over the past month President Bush has been flying around the country raising money for vulnerable Republicans, one of them being Norm Coleman. President Bush owes at least that much to Norm as he has voted with President Bush over ninety percent of the time as a representative of Minnesota, most recently a vote to keep the troops in Iraq. The dinner wasn’t cheap, some participants were spending 15,000 dollars a plate.

Al at Rondo Days in St. Paul, showing off the diversity of Minnesota’s capital city. Many of the citizens voiced their opinion on who they would vote for and why, in an election race between Al and Norm Coleman. Many of the residents voiced support for Al because they know that Al will work for them when he is Minnesota’s next US Senator.

Al and Team Franken winding up their final 4th of July Parade in Aurora, Minnesota. This is Al’s third parade of the day, but you sure can’t tell. Al is running back and forth asking for support from all of the residents of the Aurora. Al loved his time in Aurora describing it as a great, American, Minnesotan town.

Al, Franni, and TeamFranken at Brainerd's 4th of July celebration. This was the second of three parades which Al marched in, gaining much support amongst the young and old of Brainerd, Minnesota. Even though this was their second march of the day, Al and his crew of volunteers were living it up and loving every minute of it. Unfortunately, Al’s conference with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox was not on taped, but it is still worth checking out!