Franken expected to make announcement on candidacy

[lojasmo]

http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S6198.html?cat=64

<snip>Franken, a Minnesota native, plans to make an announcement live on his national radio show in Washington D.C. this morning. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will be in the studio with Franken for that announcement.

Meanwhile, former U.S. Sen Rod Grams, who lost his seat to Dayton in 2000, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that he is running for the open seat. He said Social Security, the deficit, the budget, Medicare and Medicaid are what prompted him to enter the race.

Other Republicans who may consider a run include U.S. Reps. Mark Kennedy and Gil Gutknecht, and Minn. Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer.

[chelsea0011]

1. Excellent cnadidate. Bright, knows issues, and has a quick wit

[seriousstan]

2. Would he have to stop doing the radio show?

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

5. I don't see why

In fact, I think it would be fantastic if he didn't. It's radio - I don't see why he can't broadcast remotely until he wins.

[Pirate Smile]

15. That picture gives me the willies. Eeccckkkk!

[seriousstan]

26. the equal time law section 315(a) of the Communications Act

THE INSIDE STORY ABOUT NANCY SKINNER AND NEWSTALK 890




Contrary to media reports, Nancy Skinner has not been fired from her weekend position at NewsTalk 890, WLS.



“WLS-AM management first learned of Nancy Skinner's candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Sunday, July 20, 2003, when she made the announcement live during the Ski and Skinner show, which she co-hosts for the Station,” explains President and General Manager Zemira Jones. “ We decided to take her off the air as an interim measure while reviewing the situation.”



“We took this action because allowing a candidate to host a show while running for office raises important legal and policy implications for broadcasters,” Mr. Jones continues. “Among other things, if Ms. Skinner continues to appear on the air, the equal time law could eventually entitle her opponents to equal time. Contrary to Ms. Skinner's representation, the equal time law section 315(a) of the Communications Act is still very much in effect which provides: If any licensee shall permit any person who is a legally qualified candidate for any public office to use a broadcasting station, he shall afford equal opportunities to all other such candidates for that office in the use of such broadcasting station."

http://www.wlsam.com/pages/110859.asp

[Viking12]

18. Most likely

Although the Fairness Doctrine has been destroyed, I am almost positive there are still broadcast regs on equal air time for filed candidates. If Al retained his broadcast positions, the stations that air his program would probably have to give equal (or same rates) time to his opponent.

[SoCalDem]

19. Yes he would.. Remember Nancy Skinner??

Having his own show would violate the "contribution in kind" issues.. His "competition" would claim that he has THREE hours a day (plus re-runs) of "free airtime" on his own show, a day.. Of course the repubes never have to pay for much time, since 99% of the media shills for them 24/7 ...but for some reason the dems rarely complain about THAT :grr:

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

3. You think we, as Dems, are smart enough to just let Franken run unopposed?

Let them bloody themselves in their own primary while our candidate focuses on the prize. Way too often do we get stuck in circular firing squad primary battles that force us to divert energy and resources from the REAL enemy.

[NoodleBoy]

4. wow... it's been rumored he would take on Norm Coleman in 2008

but whatever... at least this might keep the seat in our hands.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

6. If he announces a candidacy...

And that is, by no means, a lock at this point, it is far more inportant for Dems to keep the seat. Bloodying Normie's nose is of no importance, in comparison.

Franken's "native son" status will be a powerful contrast and asset.

[applegrove]

7. Franken is a stand up guy!

Franken is a stand up guy! Let him be the first of many who heed the call.

[bleever]

8. I like Al. And he has the smarts, the values, and the people skills

to be a great senator and a real asset to the Democratic Party.

:thumbsup:


(Even though the whole "Al Franken Decade" was kind of a disappointment.)

[Mr Rabble]

9. Lets just hope he gets real help

with his finances. The DNC needs to step up and help Al. He would be the best attack dog.

[spunky]

10. That's awesome, but I'm afraid

the Repubs will use this as another example of how the Democratic Party are the party of hollywood and not of mainstream America. . .

Oh well, go Al!!

[ClayZ]

11. Mainstream like Schwarzenegger (((Grin)))

All has what it takes!

[SoCalDem]

20. and don't forget St. Ronnie of Reagan

:)

[stepnw1f]

27. They Use Everything and Anything to Win (nt)

[davidinalameda]

12. Franken is a talking head

he's not a politician

there are better choices for the Senate seat

[Liberal Veteran]

14. You say that like it's a bad thing...

I don't think our founding fathers ever intended that our leadership be dominated by career politicians and lawyers.

[Pirate Smile]

13. Franken is going to be a tease and isn't telling at the beginning of his

show.

He said, "I'm not stupid, I know what I'm going to do and I'll announce it sometime during the show, maybe in the third hour, maybe soon".

[Pinboy]

16. He's good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone, people LIKE him!

Apologies to "Stuart Smalley"

[tokenlib]

17. Al is having fun with this...LOL!!

Damn, I wish the show were on Sundance. It would be fun to watch.

[onehandle]

21. Al vs. Coleman in 2008. nt

[geomon666]

22. Well if he does run, all I've got to say is...

Thank the Man-Jesus! We'll finally get someone good in that time slot. Here's to Hartman! :toast:

[SoCalDem]

23. I'd rather have Guy James

Please....somebody give Guy his "big break".:):)

[geomon666]

24. Good thinking.

It's time Guy was rewarded for his hard work. We need an ass kicker in there!

[Strelnikov_]

25. Better Than Franken? Doubtful.

[The Donkey]

28. THIS JUST IN . . . . . He's staying at Air America

It looks like he's not running, he just made the announcement.

[lojasmo]

31. Aaaargh.. Redact! Redact! EOM

[ohtransplant]

29. FRANKEN IS NOT RUNNING FOR SENATE

[klyon]

30. Just said he would fulfill commitment to Air America

He will not run in 2006.

KL

[retread]

32. A man of his word. Admits mistakes. He would be a

fish out of water in our present day congress.