For Minnesotans...Al Franken 2008 amateur analysis...

[Infinite Hope]

Minnesotans, just for interest, please state the general region of the state you're from (NW, NE, Central, SW, SE) and state honestly how you think Al Franken would do in your area against Norm Coleman in 2008. Don't be idealistic or give the best possible outcome. Think pragmatically how you think he'd do and please share any incite into your area as far as the things/characteristics that would benefit him and the things/characteristics that would work against him.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Minneapolis, and Al would kick his ass.

That's not starry-eyed optimism. Norm "The Weasel" Coleman is about as popular in blue Minneapolis as a case of hemorrhoids; Franken could take him. I've seen Franken when he gets serious -- he showed up to help some volunteers right after Paul Wellstone was killed, and I was very impressed with what he had to say. If he starts campaigning, though, he has to remember he's not acting as a comedian and leave off with some of the wisecracks. Some humor is always useful, but sometimes on his radio show he tries too hard to be funny when the topic isn't. But I think he could really kick some Republican butt in this area.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. I agree

Minneapolis has a remarkable number of people who still drive around with Wellstone bumperstickers on their cars. Normie is about as popular here as Dutch elm disease in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and he didn't win by much even statewide, you'll recall.

[dflprincess]

3. I'm in the southern suburbs and I'm guessing

he wouldn't do so well here. Though, I could be wrong, Kerry did win this area in 2004.

[choop]

4. South mpls

Franken would take this area. But I think Norm could beat Franken in greater MN.

[election_2004]

5. Honestly, Becky Lourey would have more appeal across the state....

I used to live in Wisconsin (immediate neighbors to the east), and that's the sense I got from talking with politically-savvy Minnesotans who went to my old school.

Of course, some Minnesota Democrats are being really petty and holding it against Lourey that she ran for the DFL gubernatorial nomination this year.

Stupid, if you ask me - - because Lourey could not only give Coleman a decent challenge in rural Minnesota, but Minnesota would become the next state to have two female U.S. Senators (assuming that Klobuchar wins next month, which she probably will).