Al Franken to Sierra Club:

DFLers Have Concerns About Franken And Economic Development. "But Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, and Rep. David Dill, DFL-Crane Lake, have endorsed Ciresi, voicing concerns about Franken on mining, economic development and land use issues. Dill said he specifically asked Franken if he would seek the Sierra Club's endorsement. 'He said he hoped to (seek it),' Dill said." (Bill Hanna, "Can a funny thing happen on the way to the Senate?" Mesabi Daily News, February 5, 2008)

Sierra Club "Questions" Value Of "1,000 High-Paying Jobs" On Range. "A new [Sierra Club] report on the economy of northeastern Minnesota calls into question the value of mining jobs. The region is poised to add more than 1,000 high-paying jobs in several new mining projects. But the report's author says the region should think hard about whether those jobs will fulfill the promises their backers are making." (Stephanie Hemphill, "New report questions the value of Iron Range mining jobs," Minnesota Public Radio, October 8, 2007)

Blames Shooting Competition For Confusion. "'I just don't think he heard me right. I was talking with him while he was at a shooting competition with his son. I don't intend to seek the Sierra Club endorsement,' Franken said." (Bill Hanna, "Can a funny thing happen on the way to the Senate?" Mesabi Daily News, February 5, 2008)