Posted: 05/30/08 04:10
by Dave Mindeman
I find it more than a little intrigueing that the Star Tribune has a prominent article about "turmoil" regarding Franken's Playboy article. That piece, coupled with an MPR story about the same issue makes for interesting political timing. We have about a week to go to the DFL convention.
The prominent figure in all this is Rep. Betty McCollum, which, if one were going to speculate, gives us this scenario:
McCollum was an early backer of Mike Ciresi for the Senate bid. But Ciresi dropped out...curiously just after loaning his campaign $2 million. The attacks on Franken by the Republican party have escalated with the Democrats keeping a low profile. Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer has stayed out of the mess, focusing on issues, but has made some headway in the delegate hunt. (Another interesting note -- there is virtually no mention of JNP by McCollum in any of her interviews)
Going into the convention, Al Franken is still the odds on favorite but what if he doesn't get to 60% on the first ballot? That will probably change the game. With a little McCollum arm twisting and lots of behind the scenes pushing, there could be a move towards no endorsement. JNP supporters may not have enough to push over the top themselves, but a no endorsement opens up a game for the primary.
Which brings us back to Ciresi. He can restart his campaign, still holding his cash, and make it look like the party is asking him to get back into the race.... and off we go into a divisive and expensive September primary campaign.
The risk for Ciresi is that JNP could gather some serious momentum if Franken's effort stalls, and carry him to a surprise endorsement. But, I would guess that Ciresi and McCollum would be willing to take that risk....it is their only real chance to get back into the fray.
Meanwhile, Norm Coleman gets more use out of his dentally enhanced smile.



