Good news for Al Franken:
Former Minnesota governor and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura has ended speculation over his political future, announcing on Monday he will not run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota this year.
Ventura, an independent who served as governor from 1999-2003, had been considering challenging incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken, a comedian, author and former radio talk show host.
Apparently this is welcome news not only for Franken, but for the good people of Minnesota. For it seems the Body would rather surf than serve:
Ventura, who during his wrestling career was known by the nickname "The Body," cited family concerns and unwanted media attention for his decision. But there were other considerations.
"It was a difficult decision but it came down to almost this -- surfing versus the Senate and I found surfing to be much more honorable than the Senate," Ventura said. "The ocean doesn't lie to you. The waves don't lie to you. My government does lie to me today."
Al Franken already trails in the polls next to Republican incumbent Norm Coleman, and a Ventura candidacy would likely have split whatever anti-Coleman vote is in the state.
Instead, Franken's excellent fundraising and a considerable Obama advantage give him a fighting chance to close the gap in a one-on-one race with Coleman. Franken has a lot of work to do to get there, but he's dodged a bullet with Ventura opting out.
Update: Rasmussen's latest poll has Franken leading.
Rasmussen. 7/10. MoE 4.5%. (6/11 numbers in parentheses)
Franken (D) 44 (45)
Coleman (R) 42 (48)
Rasmussen has generally had this race closer than other pollsters have, but nevertheless this is welcome news. SurveyUSA is not so optimistic:
SurveyUSA. 7/11-13. MoE 4.5%. (6/10-12 numbers in parentheses)
Coleman (R) 52 (52)
Franken (D) 39 (40)