After a career satirizing politicians, Al Franken wants to be one

Al Franken made it official Wednesday. The comedian and liberal talk radio host announced he's challenging U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., for his seat in 2008.

Guests

• Al Franken: U.S. Senate candidate. Franken announced his candidacy Wednesday at the end of his final show on the liberal Air America Radio network. Franken has written a number of books combining humor and politics and was on the original writing staff of "Saturday Night Live."

More from MPR

• Franken in bid to unseat Sen. Coleman
  February 14, 2007
• Ciresi looks at another U.S. Senate bid
  February 12, 2007
• From show-biz to politics
  February 1, 2007
• No joke; Franken to run for Senate
  January 31, 2007
• Franken is the first Coleman challenger
  February 1, 2007
• Dean Johnson's future may involve a run against Coleman
  November 17, 2006
• Democratic majority: an opportunity for Coleman?
  November 10, 2006