By Baird Helgeson
It might not be an endorsement, but it could be the next best thing for state Sen. Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud. U.S. Sen. Al Franken and other big-name DFLers are hosting a fundraiser Nov. 11 in support of Clark's effort to unseat U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann. Franken and his wife, Franni, will be joined by Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. The two-hour reception will be at the south Minneapolis home of Jim and Cynthia Smart. Recommended contributions are $100 to $4,800. What does the candidate's staff say about the non-endorcement endorsements? "We are proud to have the support of thousands of Minnesotans in this campaign, including many whom Tarryl has a long history of working alongside," Clark spokeswoman Andrea Mokros said via e-mail. Clark isn't the only one who wants to challenge Bachmann. Dr. Maureen Reed of St. Cloud is also seeking the DFL endorsement.
