Al Franken goes from top target to heavy favorite for Minnesota Senate

By: James Hohmann, Politico.com
May 26, 2013 07:00 AM EDT

Republicans promised to make funnyman Al Franken a one-term senator, but look who’s laughing now.

The Minnesota Democrat looked to be a top GOP pickoff target next year after his agonizing seven-month recount and legal battle put him in the Senate in 2009 by a mere 312 votes.

Yet, in a turnabout few could’ve predicted, Franken has yet to draw a Republican opponent. The GOP looks likely to choose between relatively unknown state legislators, inexperienced businessmen or a conservative radio host with a history of controversial statements.

Franken’s success so far fending off a serious challenger speaks to the broader recruitment challenge Republicans face in 2014. To have a shot at overcoming the Democrats’ 10-seat Senate advantage, the GOP needs to expand the map by putting seats like Franken’s in play. But the party to date has struggled to find top-flight candidates in several states that should, at least on paper, be competitive.

(More here.)