MPR: Looking back at Franken’s first year as senator
St. Paul, Minn. — One year ago, Democrat Al Franken was finally sworn in as Minnesota’s newest U.S. Senator after a nine-month long recount and legal battle. The Minnesota Supreme Court determined Franken defeated Republican Senator Norm Coleman by just 312 votes.
MPR: Franken visits Laos to see repatriated Hmong refugees
St. Paul, Minn. — Senator Al Franken is in Southeast Asia Tuesday where he said Laotian officials prevented him from seeing first-hand how 4,500 forcibly-repatriated Hmong refugees there are living. Minnesota has one of the largest Hmong populations in the nation. Franken traveled to Laos to check on the refugees and their living conditions.
Inforum: He’s no joke: Franken marks anniversary in Senate with confidence
WASHINGTON – One year ago, watchful eyes – some skeptically – were on Al Franken as he made the transition from being a former “Saturday Night Live” staple to becoming Minnesota’s freshman U.S. senator. Many, from national political pundits to average Minnesotans, wondered what to make of the comedian-turned-lawmaker and how the Democrat might approach his role among the powerful elite in the U.S. Congress.