Minneapolis/st. Paul Blog

Citypages did an impromptu interview with the candidate:

So, why do you want to debate Franken so bad?

I think it is a good idea for candidates to look at all the issues closely. We need to talk about the war and extricating ourselves from it. There’s also the environment, reproductive rights, the treatment of women and minorities, the uncertainty of the economy and health care. We need to get those issues out on the table. Al and I have the same heart, but he has different ways of approaching things.

Okay, so what would come from a Faris-Franken debate?

I just think you would get what comes out of any debate. We must learn as much as we can. This is a different kind of election. It’s not a joke. Minnesotans must take this race very, very seriously. That’s why it is a compelling time to share knowledge and ideas with the electorate.

What about Norm Coleman?

Well, our debate would be aimed at Norm Coleman. We have very strong opinions. Norm has not delivered for Minnesotans. With two of us speaking out against him it would help the whole democratic ticket.

You think Franken can win?

Well, I do have some doubts. There are polls showing Franken 13 points behind. He’s had two years and millions of dollars to campaign. It would behoove anyone to look closely and see whether or not he could beat Norm Coleman.

So you don’t think Franken can win…

I jumped in to give the democrats another option. Franken is lagging. Any other candidate who wasn’t a "star" would have been asked to drop out if they had made the same errors that Franken made. I just think we need another option. That’s why I am taking a stand.

So you really think you can beat Coleman?

I sure do. I would get a lot of crossover vote. I can get enormous support, both from Republicans and real Minnesotan Democrats. Remember, I just jumped in a week ago. Franken’s position is falling. It’s not rocket science. Neither Coleman nor Franken have electrified the electorate.

What about hockey? That’s really all that matters? Right?

(laughs) I have an endorsement from one of the most famous and well respected hockey trainers, Jack Blatherwick. He’s very well known as an elite trainer for the USA hockey team. And Jack is building me a homemade lawn sign for the campaign.

Good, that last question wasn’t a joke.

For more information on the Faris’ [maybe] quixotic quest, check out her website.