Almanac: At the Capitol

With primary opponents out of the way, Al Franken sought to "kick off the general election with a rally."  You'll recall he also kick-started his campaign after Ciresi got out of the race and got criticized for not being available to the media.  Today's event press release was careful to note that "a media availability will follow."  Franken's camp created some strong images with supporters rallying around.  The site was the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, obvious symbolism there.

Since, Sen. Norm Coleman is in D.C. today, his campaign manager Cullen Sheehan had a press conference rolling out three new ads.  Sheehan also noted at Franked "failed to get the support of one-third" of voters in the primary.  They want former Sen. Dean Barkley in the debates and think Barkley will appeal to possible Franken voters.  Sheehan said "what Barkley does is put Franken in third place on public service" since he's never held office.

Political reporters are expecting a pretty predictable campaign, more of the same for the next 6 weeks.  But if Minnesota history holds true, big races bring big surprises at the last minute:  Boschwitz/Wellstone, Grunseth/Carlson, Wellstone/Mondale/Coleman, Pawlenty/Hatch.  Expect the unexpected in Minnesota politics.