Norm Coleman's Reelection Just Got Easier

Comedian and failed talk show host Al Franken is going to challenge Sen. Norm Coleman for the U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota:

WASHINGTON - Comedian and radio talk show host Al Franken has begun calling Democratic members of Congress and prominent DFLers to tell them he will definitely challenge Republican Sen. Norm Coleman in 2008, the Star Tribune learned Wednesday.

On Monday, Franken announced that he is quitting his radio show on Feb. 14, and he told his audience that they'd be the first to know of his decision. But Franken has been working the phones, telling his political friends he's ready to declare his candidacy.

Franken made calls to at least two members of the Minnesota congressional delegation in Washington and one member of the Legislature to break the news. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity, not wanting to be identified as pre-empting Franken's announcement.

"From his voice to my ears, he's running," said one House member, who relayed the remark via his press secretary.

Somewhere in Washington Coleman is smiling.