Al Franken for Senate

Franken Campaign Statement

TeamFranken — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:44:49 +0000

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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New Ad: Minnesota Deserves Better Than Smear Attacks That Misrepresent Wellstone Tribute

TeamFranken — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:19:32 +0000

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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Franken Calls On Coleman To Admit That Putting Social Security Money In The Stock Market Was A Bad Idea

TeamFranken — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:10:46 +0000

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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Franni in Brainerd

TeamFranken — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:43:56 +0000

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).

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Helping More Minnesotans Go To College

TeamFranken — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:26:53 +0000

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…

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Read the rest of Helping More Minnesotans Go To College (267 words)

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With McCain’s Health Care Plan Coming Under Scrutiny, Franken Asks: Would Norm Coleman Vote For It?

TeamFranken — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:23:38 +0000

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

TeamFranken — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:31:32 +0000

FRANKEN WINS FIRST DEBATE

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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Two Als Unite for Change!

TeamFranken — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:36:18 +0000

Sen. Klobuchar, Al Franken, Vice President Gore

Vice President Al Gore joined DFL leaders like Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Congressmen Tim Walz and Keith Ellison at the University of Minnesota on Saturday for a DFL Founders Day rally to support Al Franken for Senate. Vice President Gore spoke to a crowd of almost 1500 people about the importance of this election, and the importance of working hard to get Democrats up and down the ticket elected this November.

Read excerpts from an AP article on the event after the jump…

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Gore, Franken Campaign For Change

TeamFranken — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:44:38 +0000

Saint Paul [10/04/08] – Vice President Al Gore visited Minnesota today to campaign for Franken at the Minnesota DFL’s Founders Day rally at the University of Minnesota.

The Franken campaign estimated that almost 1500 people were in attendance.

Vice President Al Gore:

“I’m not just supporting Al because I trust him to be right on the issues. I’m supporting him because I’ve gotten to know him well, and he’s exactly the breath of fresh air our government needs. Believe me, Al definitely won’t be your typical Washington politician. That is a compliment. As a Senator, Al will be passionate and principled and wonky and honest and, yes, funny — sometimes all at once.”

Al Franken:

“I’m so honored to have a real champion for change joining us today. Al Gore is a hero of mine for taking on the tough issue of climate change before some would even admit it was a problem. He’s a passionate progressive who believes, like I do, that we need real change in Washington to make our government work for middle-class families. I’m proud to call him my friend.”

Full release after the jump…

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Coleman Jockeys for Job as Lead Republican Attack Dog

TeamFranken — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:07:13 +0000

In Minnesota, He Claims To Be “Independent” – In Washington, He Wants To Head Partisan Republican Attack Committee

Capitol Hill Newspaper Reveals Coleman’s Secret Ambition To Be King Of The Partisans

SAINT PAUL [10/03/08] – At the exact same time Norm Coleman is trying to convince Minnesotans he’s independent enough to win their vote, he is trying to convince Republicans in Washington that he’s partisan enough to win theirs in the race for the next chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

The Hill, a Capitol Hill newspaper, revealed Coleman’s double-talk in a story yesterday, noting that Coleman has been actively lobbying Republican Senators for the chance to lead the nation’s most partisan attack committee.

Communications Director Andy Barr:

“Classic Norm Coleman – says one thing in Minnesota, says the exact opposite in Washington at the same time. You can’t trust a word out of either side of his mouth.”

The Hill notes:

Coleman’s vigorous behind-the-scenes maneuvering has raised eyebrows because he is in the midst of a close reelection race against Democratic challenger Al Franken.

LINK TO ARTICLE:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/coleman-cornyn-both-want-to-run-the-nrsc-2008-10-02.html

Full release after jump…

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Franni Franken: Al “Stood by Me Through Thick and Thin”

TeamFranken — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:30:15 +0000

Saint Paul [10/02/08] – In a powerful new television spot intended to help Minnesotans get to know the real Al Franken, his wife Franni reveals her struggle with alcohol dependency – and talks about Al’s work to support her and others in the same situation.

Today is Al and Franni’s 33rd wedding anniversary.

Al Franken has written two movies, When A Man Loves A Woman and Stuart Saves His Family, that are used in rehabilitation facilities here in Minnesota and around the country.

Franni is doing great and is unquestionably Al’s best surrogate on the campaign trail. Along with Al, she works the hardest on the campaign, and continues her treatment in the active recovery community. This is a deeply personal story. It’s about who Al Franken really is as a person. He’s a loving husband who’s supported his wife of 33 years through some tough times and then tried to help others in the same situation. It’s a beautiful ad and a real insight into why the people who know Al Franken best feel so strongly that he’s a good man.

Full release after the jump…

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Franken: Bailout Exactly What’s Wrong with Washington

TeamFranken — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:01:07 +0000

After Washington Fails to Protect Taxpayers, Franken Holds News Conference to Pledge New Direction

SAINT PAUL [10/02/08] – After last night’s Senate passage of the $700 billion bailout proposal, DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken today outlined how the bailout reflects the need for change in Washington.

“Last night the United States Senate voted to take $700 billion from taxpayers who did nothing wrong and offer it as a sacrifice at the altar of financial mismanagement. This bill doesn’t fix an economy that isn’t working for middle class families. This bill doesn’t even fix the damage that’s been done in the last eight years. It is, in fact, the exclamation point on eight years of the worst stewardship of our economy since Herbert Hoover. A terrible end to a terrible presidency. And if we don’t face up to what’s gone wrong – if, at this sad moment in our history, we fail to recognize what is still wrong with our economy and take concrete steps to fix it – then this will not be the last time Minnesota taxpayers are asked to clean up someone else’s mess.”

Read full release after the jump…

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Statement of Al Franken on Bailout Negotiations

TeamFranken — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:28:52 +0000

SAINT PAUL [10/01/08] - U.S. Senate Candidate Al Franken:

“I am very concerned by what I’m seeing from Washington. After eight years of dismantling the regulatory framework that should have prevented this crisis, it looks like Washington may yet stick taxpayers with the bill for a $700 billion handout to Wall Street.

“I know that negotiations are continuing, so I want to send a very clear message to Washington: If we’re going to pay a premium to clean up this mess, we had better fix the problem that caused it.

“That problem is the failure – the refusal – of this administration and those who support its economic agenda to hold Wall Street accountable for its reckless behavior and enforce real oversight over our financial system.

“So, I would urge that, in any bailout package that comes up for a vote, Congress not only establish strong oversight over how this $700 billion is used, but also fix the system that allowed this abusive and reckless behavior, by implementing concrete steps to guarantee transparency and oversight in the marketplace. I believe that if we don’t fix the system, this won’t be the last bailout.

“And let me be clear: this should not be a proud day in Washington. Arsonists don’t get credit for putting out their own fires, especially when it costs taxpayers $700 billion. But any bailout package must include strong oversight protections, and a regulatory framework to prevent this from ever happening again”

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Al at CSB/SJU

TeamFranken — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:09:41 +0000

The Record, a student newspaper at College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University, just came out with a story about student political activity and the great response Al got when he visited. Like college students around Minnesota and the country, CSB/SJU students are really excited for this election!

From their story:

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“You’re the ones that are going to make the difference in this campaign, the 18 to 30(year-olds),” Franken said. “We’re going to do this. We’re going to change this country, and it’s going to be in your hands.”

Sophomore Alan Albert participated in the march and said he supports Franken. “I like his beliefs, his politics, everything that he stands for,” Albert said. “He’s a down to earth guy . . . and I think we can relate to him very easily.”

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Read more excerpts from the article after the jump…
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New Ad: Norm Coleman - Part of the Problem, Not the Solution

TeamFranken — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:58:01 +0000

Coleman Has Taken $2 Million From Wall Street, Financial Interests – More Than Any Other Senate Candidate In The Country

Special Interest Senator Has Followed Bush Economic Agenda All The Way

Saint Paul [09/30/08] – As the economic crisis deepens, potentially resulting in a $700 billion taxpayer-funded bailout of Wall Street, the Al Franken for Senate campaign today released a new statewide television ad, “Turmoil,” reminding Minnesotans that Norm Coleman has been a rubber-stamp supporter of the Bush economic agenda that caused the crisis in the first place.

Coleman has taken $2 million from Wall Street and financial interests – more than any other Senate candidate in the entire country.

Communications Director Andy Barr:

“Norm Coleman is deeper in the pockets of Wall Street and the financial interests who have caused this meltdown than any other Senate candidate in the country — $2 million worth. So it’s not enough just to ask Minnesota families to put up $2,300 for every man, woman, and child to bail out Norm’s friends. We need to get rid of people like Norm Coleman who followed the Bush plan of letting these special interests put our economic security in jeopardy.”

Full release after the jump…

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