How Franken spent his summer vacation: Vikings camp

Sen. Al Franken went to training camp today for the Minnesota Vikings.

By jeremyherb

August 12, 2010 at 9:01PM
Sen. Al Franken, a lifelong Vikings fan, made an appearance at training camp in Mankato.
Sen. Al Franken, a lifelong Vikings fan, made an appearance at training camp in Mankato. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Franken with tight end Jim Kleinsasser. Credit: Dave Campbell/AP
Franken with tight end Jim Kleinsasser. Credit: Dave Campbell/AP (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

With the Senate in the midst of its August recess (well, not exactly -- see below), Sen. Al Franken headed out to Minnesota Vikings training camp today for the team's final day in Mankato.

The Associated Press caught up with Franken at camp, snapping a photo of the Minnesota Democrat with tight end Jim Kleinsasser. Franken said that he's been a lifelong Vikings fan, and he remembers listening to the team's first game in 1961.

Franken also expressed sympathy for wide receiver Percy Harvin's migraine problems, as Franken said he has the same issue.

Rep. Tim Walz, whose district includes Mankato, had also planned to go to Vikings camp on Tuesday. But Walz was called back to Washington from recess Tuesday for the House to vote on a $26 billion state aid bill.

As it turns out, the Senate reconvened from its recess today for a $600 million border security bill. But thanks to the Senate rules — which some might call migraine-inducing — the bill was passed with just two of 100 senators present.

Franken escaped Walz's scheduling conflict with the Vikings because he (and 97 of his colleagues) were able to stay away from Washington with the legislation passing by unanimous consent.

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