Almanac: At the Capitol

If porn and taxes weren't bad enough, now Franken has to answer to joking about rape. Republican women had a press conference revealing a quote from New York Magazine from 1995 where Franken talks about a Saturday Night Live skit and says "I give the pills to Lesley Stahl. Then, when Lesley's passed out, I take her to the closet and rape her."

Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) said Franken needs to apologize and reconsider seeking the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senate. She added that "rape in humor disqualifies him from serving in one of the highest offices." She repeatedly said rape is not a joke. Former State Auditor Pat Anderson said "As a mother of daughters, I will not remain silent while their future safety and security is at risk by a man who jokes about rape is about to be endorsed by a major political party in Minnesota."

Franken's campaign says: "Norm Coleman voted against funding for the Violence Against Women Act. He ought to be ashamed." I have a interview with Franken scheduled for tomorrow in Rochester. The campaign is still full steam ahead on the endorsement. This press conference today reminds me a bit about the one Republican women had after Mike Hatch called a reporter a "Republican whore" which probably cost him the election. Ironically, moments after the event, Hatch was on MPR and said these issues are a "huge distraction" for the campaign which should be about the incumbent, Norm Coleman.