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Thursday, February 10, 2005
Franken will not run for Senate
Posted by Tim TagarisAl Franken kept his listeners on edge until minutes before the conclusion of his show, when he finally said:
"Anyway, I'm not running for Senate in 2006. Minnesotans are very serious about their politics; it would be silly for me to run, I don't live there."
Before the official decision, he played around with the audience for hours, hanging on until the last moment to release his decision. In the segement prior to the final commercial break, the radio host claimed that he "didn't know" whether or not he was going to run, and would get the advice of Norm Ornstein during the break and then make his decision on the other side.
When they came back Al talked about his career as an author and talk show host and acknolwedged that he has always thought about "being involved in politics in a different way." Then he talked about the proud progressive history in Minnesota, from Hubert Humphrey to Paul Wellstone. He honored those two by saying anything that he has accomplished in politics is in no small part because of them.
He then talked about believing in honoring his committments. That included his two-year contract with Air America Radio. That was the first solid clue his answer to the question tossed around all day would be, "no."
Right before making his decision not to run official, Franken and Ornstein discussed the need for people like Franken in radio to "push back" against a Right Wing Noise Machine. They mentioned Britt Hume, Bill Bennett, and Rush Limbaugh who they "debunk" on a daily basis because, "it is fun, and it is easy."
He concluded by saying that if he did decide to take on Norm Coleman in 2008, he would move the show to Minnesota and live inside the state while running.
Then he promoted tomorrow's show, and signed off.
Posted at 02:59 PM in 2006 Elections, 2006 Elections - Senate, Minnesota | Technorati
Comments
Excellent news. 2008 would be a much better fit for all of us in the progressive movement.
Posted by: bringohiohome ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.swingstateproject.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 10, 2005 03:22 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I think he'll run in 2008
Posted by: Daniel at February 10, 2005 04:32 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
This probably is the wiser move - not least of all so Al can convince his wife to move to MN! Furthermore, Franken just HATES HATES Norm Coleman (and rightly so) - if you haven't read it yet, I suggest you read the chapter in "Lying Liars" about the Wellstone funeral and how the right abused it. It will make your blood boil. I'd love to see them square off in 2008.
Posted by: DavidNYC at February 10, 2005 04:53 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment