Campaign '08

Deadline Looming, Ventura Considers Senate Run

ST. PAUL (WCCO) ― In Minnesota's U.S. Senate Race, Democrat Al Franken made his candidacy official on paper Thursday.

However, much of the buzz in the race still is over a possible run by former Governor Jesse Ventura.

Al Franken, the former Saturday Night Live writer and comedian, signed the papers putting his name on the ballot to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate.

"People in Minnesota want a change, and they also want this race to be about them and about their lives," said Franken.

Just how much of a change Minnesota wants could be tested. One day after denying reports he's a Senate candidate himself, former Governor Jesse Ventura told a national TV audience not to count him out.

"You can expect to see probably the most outspoken Senator ever. You can expect to see the good old boys out there gettin' turned on their ear because I'm not going to play any of the games. That's what you can expect to see," said Ventura in an appearance on CNN.

Meanwhile, incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman is expected to formally file his candidacy within days. His campaign promised to focus on Al Franken's comedy past.

Meanwhile, the money race continues. Franken reported Thursday he raised $2.3 million in the last few months. Coleman's reported raising $2.4 million. Between them, they've raised $22 million so far. At this rate, the candidates are expected to break fundraising records.

Ventura plans to meet with some close associates over the weekend, but he said he won't announce a decision until Tuesday, which happens to be the filing deadline. 

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