We need a comedian in the Senate ... Go for it, Al Franken!!

My brother Richard's favorite comedian, writer, Christmas party draw and, oh yes, Air America radio personality, Al Franken (photo left), just might run in the 2008 U.S. Senate race. That "Christmas party draw" phrase was thrown in to remind my brother in Connecticut that we Ryans are Democrats deep down and that it was God's providence that allowed him to meet and chat with Franken during the 2006 holidays.

Even though Mr. Franken still insists that no official announcement has been made, it looks like it's 98% made in his own mind. He has stated that (after talking it over with his family) he will make an on-the-air announcement on his last show on 14 February as to whether or not he's really gonna do it. He is reported to be working the phones, calling prominent Democrats in Minnesota to alert them of his intentions to challenge Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn), for the seat.

He also indicated today (I listen to Air America on my day off from work) that he is a little upset with the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press because they carried his decision-yet-to-be-made through to essentially a definite yes.

I personally hope he does go for it and brings some fresh candor and "who-cares-what-people-think" courage to a body of stodgy old men and women (Hillary and Obama included) who waste enormous amounts of time coming up with essentially nothing.

A toothless, non-binding resolution on Iraq is a case in point.