Betty McCollum backs Franken

DFL Rep. Betty McCollum says she will be backing Democrat Al Franken for Senate (h/t MnPublius). McCollum has been harshly critical of Franken's writings and attempts at comedy because she considered them offensive to women. She also said his candidacy could jeopardize Minnesota House and Senate candidates across the state.

It appears that several female lawmakers and women's groups are coming out in support of Franken this week. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar sent a fundraising letter on Franken's behalf and Planned Parenthood of Minnesota''s Political Action Fund also backed Franken for the job earlier this week. A member of Planned Parenthood issued a letter to supporters questioning Franken on the eve of the DFL convention.

The Republican Party (who is obviously backing GOP Sen. Norm Coleman) was quick to pounce on McCollum's letter. They released this list of quotes from McCollum:

FLASHBACK: McCollum In Her Own Words:

Rep. Betty McCollum: Franken's Playboy Column "Indefensible." "Senate candidate Al Franken's satirical and explicit take on virtual sex and other topics, published in Playboy magazine eight years ago, is drawing concern instead of laughter from some Minnesota Democrats. Rep. Betty McCollum, who supported the comedian's rival Mike Ciresi until he dropped out of the race for the party's nomination for the Senate, complained Thursday that she and other Minnesota Democrats will be on the same November ballot as a candidate 'who has pornographic writings that are indefensible.'" (Frederic J. Frommer,, "Franken's old Playboy article concerns Democrats," Associated Press, May 30, 2008)

McCollum Concerned About Franken's Pornographic Writings. "'As a parent and an aunt, and talking to other parents, people are very concerned about the type of Internet use that's out there, and how it has a potentially harmful effect on children,' McCollum said. 'Sexually explicit material is one of the things that parents are very concerned about, and want to make sure that they're steering their children away from.'" (Frederic J. Frommer, "Franken's old Playboy article concerns Democrats," Associated Press, May 30, 2008)

McCollum Tells Franken His Pornographic Writings Are "Radioactive." "McCollum said she spoke briefly with Franken on Thursday and that the candidate wanted to speak again. 'I told him this is a serious problem,' she said. 'I told him my cell phone's ringing off the hook. Union leaders call me, state House members are calling, I've had people in the coffee shop approach me, very concerned about this. They really feel this article is politically radioactive.'" (Frederic J. Frommer, "Franken's old Playboy article concerns Democrats," Associated Press, May 30, 2008)

McCollum Questions Franken's "Judgment." "'I'm a woman, I'm a mother, I'm a former teacher, and an elected official,' McCollum told Politico. 'This material makes me question the judgment of someone who would write this. And this person is now a candidate representing Minnesota.'" (Josh Kraushaar, "McCollum expresses concern about Franken candidacy," Politico, May 29, 2008)

McCollum: Franken Rape Sketch "Appalling." "Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken's bad day (read about it here) got worse. Rep. Betty McCollum, a supporter of former Senate candidate Mike Ciresi (who is leaving all options on the table), released a statement: 'Planned Parenthood understands that Minnesotans evaluate our political candidates based on their record, values and character. It is appalling that anyone could characterize rape, a violent and horrible crime, as a joke,' said Congresswoman Betty McCollum" (Rachel Stassen- Berger, "Franken's day got worse," Political Animal Blog http://blogs.twincities.com/politics/2008/06/frankens_day_got_worse.html, June 5, 2008)

Update: DFL House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher also recorded a video message yesterday for Franken.

Question of the day: Does these endorsements repair the damage caused to Franken's campaign?

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