Humorous NRSC Ad Features Frankens Hollywood Critics
It appears that not everyone in Hollywood would vote for comedian Al Franken (D), who is challenging Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.).
A new ad from the National Republican Senatorial Committee independent expenditure arm features a handful of Frankens show business colleagues urging Minnesotans not to vote for the former Saturday Night Live entertainer. Actor John Ratzenberger, most recently of Dancing with the Stars fame, opens the 30-second spot, which also features former SNL actress Victoria Jackson, actors Stephen Baldwin and Robert Davi, and singer Pat Boone.
Hello Minnesota, Im John Ratzenberger, and we in Hollywood are a bit worried that Al Franken is hurting our reputation, Ratzenberger says.
After all, we dont all write dirty articles for Playboy, says Jackson, who is seated in an empty theater.
Were not all tantrum-throwing divas, Baldwin says.
We believe in low taxes, Davi says. But youve still got to actually pay them, Al.
And we love ice fishing, says Boone, who then throws a fishing line into a swimming pool.
So, please, Minnesota, dont judge us all by Al Franken, Ratzenberger says.
Oh, and Go Vikings! Jackson chimes in.
The Minnesota Senate race remains one of the closest and most unpredictable in the country. Former Sen. Dean Barkley (I), a top aide to former Gov. Jesse Ventura (I), takes almost 20 percent of the vote in some public polls in part because such a negative race has turned voters off of both mainstream candidates.
Coleman recently called for all campaigns and outside groups to cut negative advertisements, an announcement that the Franken campaign said was a farce. The NRSCs IE arm and Colemans campaign are not allowed to coordinate, and so the committee has continued to issue negative advertisements.