Al Franken’s Primary Opponent Drops Out of MN Senate Race

Comedian and author Al Franken is one step closer to realizing his goal of becoming the next U.S. senator from the state of Minnesota.

Mike Ciresi, Franken’s chief competitor for the nomination of the Democratic Farmer Labor party (DFL), announced Monday that he is withdrawing from the race, paving the way for Franken to do battle with incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman this fall.

“I am announcing today my withdrawal from the contest for the DFL endorsement and the conclusion of my candidacy for the U.S. Senate,” Ciresi said. “In my judgment, continuing the endorsement race would only lead to an unnecessary floor fight. It is time to step aside.”

Ciresi, a wealthy trial lawyer known for winning a large 1998 settlement against the tobacco industry, entered the race last spring, but was never able to match Franken’s fundraising successes. The former “Saturday Night Live” comedian, radio talk show host, and author not only won the fundraising battle, but also earned the coveted support of major labor unions.

U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken laughs with a supporter at a picnic in Edina, Minn., July 21, 2007. (Ann Heisenfelt/AP Photo)

More:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4424646

Send post as PDF to

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!