GOP Has Candidate for Franken Revenge

Minnesota Republicans finally have a candidate to seek revenge against Democratic Sen. Al Franken, whose razor-thin victory over the Republican incumbent Norm Coleman came after three vote counts and legal haggling that went to the state supreme court.

Multimillionaire businessman Mike McFadden wants to run against Franken and will soon unveil an exploratory committee, North Star State sources tell Newsmax.

Much of the GOP enthusiasm for McFadden stems from his ability to deploy his own wealth against Franken, who has more than $2 million in the bank.

In recent weeks, both Coleman and former State GOP Chairman Pat Shortridge assured Newsmax there was a strong opponent in the wings but neither offered a name. Talk of McFadden as a candidate became audible this week after GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen said he would not run.

Historically, Minnesota Republicans who use their own money to seek office don't do well. Philanthropist Wheelock Whitney Jr. was the GOP nominee for the Senate in 1964 and governor in 1982 -- and was handily beaten in both races.

John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax.