Al Franken Campaign Disclosures, Air America Radio

THANKS, KIDS!

Senate Campaign Filing Reveals Franken's Wealth







If and when Al Franken is elected to the US Senate from Minnesota, he should be sure to thank the kids.

After all, without the inner city Boys & Girls Club funds that were shifted to Air America Radio's account, the liberal talk network would have shut down and Franken's big money- making days would have come to a quick end.

The end result is that Stuart has entered the race with millions of dollars in the bank, some of which could easily be used to fund the campaign. Without Air America's cash, he would probably be broke.

Nonetheless, with Franken's wealth disclosed to the public today as required by law, campaign officials were quick to downplay the numbers. Via the AP:

Al Franken, a comedian and best-selling author before launching his Senate campaign this year, is worth between 4.3 million and $9.9 million, according to a financial disclosure form he filed with the Senate.

Franken, a Democrat who hopes to challenge Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman next year, also listed a salary of just over $1 million last year from his corporation, Alan Franken Inc. That corporation is the business entity that provides Franken's services (such as speaking engagements and his prior service on Air America Radio), and then pays Franken a salary at the end of the year after commissions, taxes and other fees are paid, said his campaign spokesman, Andy Barr.

The disclosure reports require figures to be reported only in broad ranges. But Barr said that Franken's net worth is closer to $4.3 million than $9.9 million.

Even on the low end, that would easily eclipse Coleman, a Republican who listed only an IRA rollover valued at $564,000 in his assets. Coleman's report voluntarily provided the exact market value.

Another candidate in the race, Democrat Mike Ciresi, received an extension to June 30 to file his personal financial disclosure report. Ciresi, a trial lawyer, poured nearly $5 million of his own money into a failed 2000 Senate race. He has said he doesn't plan to self-fund again this year, but hasn't ruled it out.

Franken, a former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer, will contribute $4,600 to his campaign, Barr said.

"Contrary to what Sen. Coleman has said, the magnitude of Al Franken's money is such that he won't be self-funding this campaign," Barr said.

Last year, in a fundraising letter, Coleman said there was nothing funny about Franken's "venomous 'Air America' liberal radio show, his high-powered and deep-pocketed Hollywood friends, his national network of Bush-Haters or the magnitude of his personal wealth."

As for his self- funding capabilities, it really depends on how badly he wants the Senate seat. With at least some future income from books and television still a possibility, Franken may well go for broke. At the same time, Coleman's right: Hollywood will likely come through in a big way for the campaign.

While he may have mostly received a free pass from the mainstream media over the Gloria Wise scandal, his opponents may not prove to be quite so charitable. If so, it will take a lot of money to overcome the truth about Al Franken's shady past.


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