Council for a Livable World endorses Franken
12/21/2007
Council for a Livable World endorses Al!____________________________________________________________
SAINT PAUL [12/20/07] - The Al Franken for U.S. Senate campaign is thrilled to announce that the Council for a Livable World has endorsed Al's candidacy.
John Isaacs, Executive Director, released the following statement (full release below):
"Al Franken is in the progressive tradition of Minnesota Democratic leaders. He opposes building a new generation of nuclear weapons, opposes placing weapons in space, opposes an attack on Iran, and supports moving toward a world free of nuclear weapons."
Al said:
"I'm thrilled to have the endorsement of the Council for a Livable World. These tremendous thinkers and activists are working hard to make our world a safer place. I have unbelievable regard for the work that they've been doing for years in nonproliferation and promoting proactive foreign policy based on diplomacy, common sense, and, best of all, actual knowledge of the world."
Council for a Livable World works for the safest and most secure U.S. and world community by seeking deep reductions and the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Council for a Livable World maintains a Candidate Fund which raises campaign funds for endorsed candidates from its tens of thousands of supporters throughout the country and on the Internet. Over the last 45 years the Council's political efforts have helped elect 113 U.S. Senators and 150 Members of the House of Representatives, including 42 Senators and 86 Representatives currently serving in Congress.
In this campaign, in addition to Al, they have endorsed Mark Udall in Colorado, Tom Allen in Maine, Jeff Merkley in Oregon, Tim Johnson in South Dakota, and Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire.
Attached is the appeal sent by the Council for a Livable World on behalf of Al.
For a complete list of endorsements, including other labor unions and elected officials, please visit http://www.alfranken.com/content/endorsements/.
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Al Franken of Minnesota
Democrat - Challenger
Endorsed for U.S. Senate by
Council for a Livable World
Minnesota has long been a distinctive commonwealth where its commerce, culture and politics have earned the respect of the nation. Known for its wheat fields, it is also the birthplace of scotch tape, Betty Crocker, Target, the Mall of America, Sinclair Lewis and Garrison Keilor.
Politically, for much of the 20th Century, Minnesota has provided the nation with some of its most articulate and progressive leaders – Eugene McCarthy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale and Paul Wellstone.
This election for the U.S. Senate is for Wellstone's seat, which he would be occupying today if not for the tragic airplane accident in 2002 shortly before the election that cost his life as well as his wife and staff members who perished with him. One of the most progressive and authentic politicians in American history, Wellstone is remembered with the greatest respect by friend and foe alike.
The Republican incumbent, Norman Coleman, won that tragic election, and has compiled a record that is the exact opposite of Paul Wellstone. A former Democrat and Mayor of St. Paul, Coleman has been a staunch supporter of President Bush on virtually every issue.
Seven times in 2007, Coleman voted against changing direction in Iraq, choosing instead to give George Bush a blank check to continue his failed policy. Coleman received a dismal 0% and 16% on the last two Council for a Livable World voting records, voting to proceed with the Nuclear Bunker Buster, for National Missile Defense, against increased funding for the United Nations and for the U.S.-India nuclear deal. When it came time to stop detainee abuse, he sided with the President and torture.
Al Franken is in the progressive tradition of Minnesota Democratic leaders. His positions include:
- Opposes building a new generation of nuclear weapons;
- Opposes National Missile Defense deployment;
- Opposes placing weapons in space;
- Opposes first use of nuclear weapons;
- Opposes an attack on Iran
- Supports removing nuclear weapons from hair trigger alert;
- Supports moving toward a world free of nuclear weapons;
- Ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
- Increased funding for the United Nations
Franken did not initially oppose the war in Iraq, reluctant to disbelieve former Secretary of State Colin Powell. However, he soon recognized that the Bush Administration had led the country to war under false pretenses and advocates bringing U.S troops home.
"I support immediately beginning the process of bringing our troops home. If I had been in the Senate, I would have voted for amendments offered by Senators Levin and Reed to set a date certain for withdrawing American combat forces from Iraq – amendments that Senator Coleman has opposed again and again."
Al Franken is a most unusual candidate for public office: an award-winning satirist, comedian, entertainer and author. Once the star of the television hit show "Saturday Night Live," he has written several best-selling books on politics and been the host of Air America Radio's flagship program that put progressive talk radio on the map. Minnesota has elected atypical candidates in the past, including a pro wrestler for governor, Jesse Ventura, and activist professor Wellstone for Senate.
Born in New York in 1951, Franken's family moved to Minnesota when he was four years old. He left the state to attend Harvard College and build his career, then moved back to Minnesota. This Senate contest is his first run for office.
Franken does have serious competition for the Democratic nomination from wealthy lawyer Mike Ciresi. Ciresi has progressive positions but low name recognition and support. He declined to respond to a Council for a Livable World issues questionnaire. Also in the field are environmental activist Jim Cohen, frequent candidate Dick Franson and college professor Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, all of whom are given almost no chance of winning.
Before the Democratic primary, Franken will be participating in Minnesota's caucus process to obtain the endorsement of the Democratic-Farm-Labor party, an important milestone to the nomination. Franken has already received the support of 43,000 members of the powerful American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees union and the endorsement of 46 state legislators with more to come.
Public opinion polls show Franken gaining steadily on Senator Coleman: A Survey USA poll on November 6 had Coleman 48%, Franken 44%, a good showing at this stage of the campaign. Another poll had Coleman in the lead by only one point.
Democrats do well in Minnesota elections. The Governor is a Republican but Democrats control the state senate by 44 - 23 and the state House by 85 - 49. In the 2004 presidential election, John Kerry carried Minnesota 51% - 48%; in 2000, Gore beat Bush 48% - 46%.
In the third quarter of 2007, challenger Franken actually outraised incumbent Coleman, $1.9 million to $1.7 million. However, Coleman still had a big cash-on-hand lead, $5 million for Coleman, $2.4 million for Franken and $808,000 for Ciresi.
Council for a Livable World believes it is important to defeat Senator Norman Coleman and to elect challenger Al Franken. Franken will be a highly visible and knowledgeable Senator who will make his presence felt on progressive issues. If you agree that it is important to add Al Franken to the U.S. Senate, please make your check out to:
AL FRANKEN FOR SENATE
and mail to:
Council for a Livable World
322 4th Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Or donate on line: http://www.clw.org/contribute