by Paul Hogarth, 2008-08-26
DENVER 10:55 A.M.: I just got back from the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party breakfast, where I spoke with members about Al Franken’s run against U.S. Senator Norm Coleman – in an effort to reclaim Paul Wellstone’s old seat. While Barack Obama has a good lead in Minnesota, Franken is neck-and-neck with Coleman – but observers told me that Franken has endured months of negative ads. As it became clear that Franken would be the DFL nominee, Coleman has relentlessly attacked him as if he were an incumbent – taking a toll. But Stephanie Schriock (who ran Jon Tester’s Senate run in Montana) has taken the helm as campaign manager – giving it the shakeup it needed. I spoke with former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton (click here for interview), and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (click here) about the state of the race. While Franken initially supported the Iraq War, McCollum tells me that Franken has come around – and the party is determined to help him win.