Live from Chicago DFA...live on Saturday night with Al Franken.

This past Saturday about 400 progressives, including organizers from most of the local DFA groups in NE Illinois, met at a country and western bar downtown to hear and see Al Franken. Mr. Franken, a professional comedian, author, educator and host of his own show on Air America, was at his congenial best and he was really “on” for his remarks. His stories of visiting our troops in Iraq and their solid support for him were terrrific and inspiring. His jokes weren't too bad, either!

In addition to a number of DFA organizers on the Host Committee, the ex officio co-hosts for the evening were Rep. Jan Schakowsky and Sen. Dick Durbin. Mr. Franken has said that he is interested in seeking the Democratic nomination in 2008 for the US Senate from his native Minnesota, the one that was formerly held by the late Sen. Paul Wellstone.

The event was a fundraiser for his Midwest Values PAC (MVP). In the meantime, Al said his PAC is going to focus on supporting progressive candidates in Minnesota and across the Midwest. Christine Cegelis, a candidate for Congress who has been endorsed by a number of DFA groups in Illinois, as well as DFA HQ, was also at the event. Democracy for America supporters were everywhere, including in Mr. Franken's remarks—he even sported a Democracy For Illinois pin for the evening!