Al Franken to Hollywood Donors:

"In an April episode of ABC's "The View," Bill Maher and Rosie O'Donnell professed their support for Al Franken's 2008 Minnesota Senate candidacy, with O'Donnell saying she was "maxing out" to the comedian-turned-candidate." ... "Some entertainers did even better than O'Donnell, contributing $4,600 – with $2,300 earmarked for the general election, should Franken get that far. Those included Dan Aykroyd, Robin Williams and Rolling Stone magazine founder Jann Wenner." ... "Among other notable contributors were actor Ed Norton, director Harold Ramis, actress Meg Ryan, cartoonist Garry Trudeau, former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, and Karenna Gore Schiff, daughter of former Vice President Al Gore." .. "That followed a first-quarter performance that included $4,600 contributions from actors Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jason Alexander and Larry David." (Frederic Frommer, "Franken Taps Entertainment Pals For Cash," The Associated Press, July 17, 2007)

"So far, 77 percent of Franken's individual donations come from non-Minnesotans." ("Minn. U.S. Senate race gets more out-of-state contributions," Associated Press, January 20, 2008)