"Special Interests" Say Thank You To US Senator Norm Coleman

More at http://www.theuptake.org Minnesota's US Senate seat is very much in play this year with Republican US Senator Norm Coleman's approval ratings hovering well below the 50% level. You may remember Senator Coleman as the designated "attack dog" on TV for the Republican party during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. During his 5 years in office he has strongly supported the Bush administration on nearly every major issue, which has made him the target of many progressive groups.

On Wednesday, protesters pretending to be representatives of the health industry, big oil and other "special interests" were lined up with thank you signs outside Republican Norm Coleman's US Senate Campaign Headquarters.

Inside, Republican Senator Coleman announced his bid for a second term. Coleman emphasized his optimism and his record, both as mayor of St. Paul and as a senator, in an effort to differentiate himself from likely Democratic nominee Al Franken.

Sports were mentioned frequently, particularly hockey. Coleman took several swipes at Franken without mentioning him by name.

Coleman said he was going to "work to bring people together to get things done" and attempted to portray himself as a non-partisan.