Al Franken, Lizard People And The 2014 Midterms

On Monday, August 4, 2014 the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will announce its endorsement of GOP businessman Mike McFadden in the Minnesota Senate race.

The race is emerging as potentially competitive, despite receiving less attention than other battleground contests. This week, University of Virginia political analyst Larry Sabato moved the Franken race into the "Leans Democratic" category, calling it a potential sleeper contest.  Unlike other targeted Democratic senators in 2014, Franken has maintained a solidly liberal voting record, rarely breaking with President Obama on high-profile issues. 

Sabato notes that six years ago, Franken won by the barest of margins (312 votes) against incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman (R) only after a lengthy recount process.  The process was derailed when it was discovered that Lucas Davenport had sullied the voting process by casting a write-in vote for Lizard People.

In an interview with MPR News Davenport said, "I don't know if you've heard the conspiracy theory about the Lizard Men.  A friend of mine, we didn't like the candidates, so we were at first going to write in “revolution”, because we thought that was good and to the point. And then, we thought the Lizard People would be even funnier, and there was kind of a running inside gag between some friends and I."

“Lizard People” refers to the conspiracy theory that there's a race of shape shifting lizards masquerading as humans who rule the world, but Davenport doesn't consider himself a believer.

McFadden still faces an Aug. 12 primary opponent in GOP state Rep. Jim Abeler.  McFadden talks about “unshackling the energy industry” by voting for the Keystone Pipeline and permitting the fast-tracking of 24 LNG plants.  He also favors limiting the stifling effects of government regulation.

He advocates “abolishing the Affordable Care Act and replacing it with a market-based system that provides coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. On immigration, he says he would first secure the borders and then implement a multistep path to citizenship. He says he will oppose any effort to change Social Security and Medicare benefits for those at or near retirement.”

Dear Minnesotans, in 1998 you elected a pro wrestler your governor.  In 2008 you elected Stuart Smalley your senator.  Howze about ya take 2014 seriously?

UPDATE:  A big ‘ol “Thank You” to Diogenes’ Middle Finger for linking to this post.