Franken says his focus isn’t on 2014

DFL Sen. Al Franken says he isn't focused on his re-election campaign next year or the fact that former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman decided not to run against him.

Coleman ended speculation this week that he may have wanted a rematch of the razor thin contest between the two candidates in 2008. For his part, Franken said he's more focused on doing his job than on planning for 2014.

"I think that will all take care of itself if I keep putting my head down and doing the work," Franken said when he was asked at a news conference about the campaign and Coleman's decision.

Franken said, however, that he won't stop preparing for his upcoming re-election. He said he'll continue to raise money in preparation for the race despite saying he's focused on doing his job in the U.S. Senate.

"You have to do fundraising," Franken said. "It doesn't mean that I'm not going to do the things that you have to do to have the resources to run in a campaign these days, but my main focus is on the work for the people of Minnesota."

Franken spoke to reporters after a private meeting over the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Minnesota.

No Republican candidates have stepped up yet to challenge Franken.

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