St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 16, 2008 – Education Minnesota, the state’s largest labor union with a membership of 70,000 educators, has recommended Al Franken in the 2008 U.S. Senate race. Franken is one of several Democrats vying to challenge Republican Sen. Norm Coleman in November.

Franken’s strong support of public education and educators and his strong campaign make him the best candidate for the job, Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said. Franken was among the four Democratic contenders who were screened by the union’s political action committee, which is made up of Education Minnesota members from around the state. Coleman also screened with the committee.

“Our members were highly impressed with Al Franken’s grasp of the issues and his commitment to meaningful change, including an overhaul of the No Child Left Behind Act and full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act,” Dooher said. “Al will be a champion for students, educators and public schools.”

The recommendation from Education Minnesota also means endorsement of Franken by the PACs of the union’s two national affiliates – the American Federation of Teachers’ Committee on Political Education and the National Education Association’s Fund for Children and Public Education.

“Education Minnesota will be encouraging its members from around the state to attend their precinct caucuses Feb. 5 and become a delegate for Al Franken,” Dooher said.

Franken, a native of St. Louis Park, graduated from Harvard University and established a high-profile career as an award-winning comic actor, satirist and progressive political analyst and commentator. His writing credits include television, two movies and six books. He formerly hosted a show for Air America Radio, the first progressive talk radio network.