Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) got additional face time in front of Republican National Convention delegates Wednesday evening, addressing the Xcel Energy Center gathering for the second night in a row.

Coleman, who is locked in a competitive re-election race with comedian Al Franken (D), received his biggest cheer when he asked the crowd whether they were ready to hear from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the vice presidential running mate for presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.). She is set to address the convention later tonight.

“In Minnesota, we are always thrilled to welcome another hockey mom to the state of hockey,” Coleman said.

He then launched into remarks that praised McCain and criticized the Democratic ticket for its positions on key economic issues and rising energy prices.