By referring to Norm Coleman as just another "run of the mill professional politician," Kinsley is much too kind. This is a man who was "rewarded" for taking the Wellstone senate seat by being made chairman of the Senate sub-committee on investigations--unheard of for a frosh senator. Coleman then made himself complicit in the Bush administration's misconduct in Iraq by proceeding to 'not investigate' a single instance of fraud, war profiteering or waste of tax dollars--even when the evidence of malfeasance was piling up. Talk about singing for your supper!

Ol' Norm is well known here in Minnesota for following the prevailing political winds. This former self-proclaimed "Wellstone Democrat" changed parties and ideologies almost overnight for no other reason than polical expediency. And then he had the stones to lead the pack of Bush attack dogs in calling John Kerry a flip-flopper. This toady of a senator voted in lockstep with the Bush administration (over 97% in his first 4 years) and now has the audacity to try and position himself as an 'independent voice' for Minnesota.

As for Al Franken, anyone who actually takes the time to listen to what he has to say will find him to be both intelligent and thoughtful when dicussing real issues. He offers some excellent solutions to some of our greatest problems. That the other side is attempting to make political hay from out-of- context statements, jokes and 20 year-old comedy bits is not surprising. I just hope it doesn't distract the Minnesota electorate from seeing that, on the issues, Franken is a serious candidate--one that has deeply held convictions and values. Which is far more than anyone could ever say about Norm Coleman.