Al Franken goes from top target to heavy favorite for Minnesota Senate

[Tx4obama]

Al Franken goes from top target to heavy favorite for Minnesota Senate

Republicans promised to make funnyman Al Franken a one-term senator, but look who’s laughing now.

The Minnesota Democrat looked to be a top GOP pickoff target next year after his agonizing seven-month recount and legal battle put him in the Senate in 2009 by a mere 312 votes.

Yet, in a turnabout few could’ve predicted, Franken has yet to draw a Republican opponent. The GOP looks likely to choose between relatively unknown state legislators, inexperienced businessmen or a conservative radio host with a history of controversial statements.

Franken’s success so far fending off a serious challenger speaks to the broader recruitment challenge Republicans face in 2014. To have a shot at overcoming the Democrats’ 10-seat Senate advantage, the GOP needs to expand the map by putting seats like Franken’s in play. But the party to date has struggled to find top-flight candidates in several states that should, at least on paper, be competitive.

The Udall cousins elected in 2008 — Mark in Colorado and Tom in New Mexico — look safe. And no top-tier GOP candidate has announced yet in Michigan, New Hampshire or Iowa. Democrats are defending seats in seven red states carried by Mitt Romney last year, but Republicans are highly unlikely to run the table in those places.

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Full three page article here: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/al-franken-minnesota-senate-2014-91876.html?hp=f1

[DFW]

1. Minnesota Republicans have a huge obstacle to overcome

Mainly, Franken has been a really good Senator. He's also very likeable, and doesn't shy away from people.

That's a tough act to beat when it's in a state that tends to elect Democrats anyway. In 2008, Franken was an unknown factor as far as elective office was concerned. No longer.

[BlueStreak]

2. Good to hear, but it is not a 10-seat advantage.

It is a 6-seat advantage with a Democratic President, or a 5-seat advantage with a Republican President.

Lose 6 seats and the Republicans control the Senate in 2014.

It is nice to see that Franken's probably won't be one that has to be defended vigorously.

[Wellstone ruled]

3. Franken will win in a landslide.

The best will be,watching the screamer be taken out in the 6th district. Got a feeling only Paulson will be the remaining Rethug. Kline could be taken out by a good DFLer sticking to a script of Progressive talking points. To bad we don't have a primary for Collin Peterson.

[defacto7]

4. Go Al !

yes

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

5. In some ways, I wish he'd leave the Senate

I miss Al the brilliant commentator and author.

He did far more good in that capacity, then as a play-it-safe, invisible senator.