Oberstar revives Franken’s Playboy problem

Just when the furor over Al Franken’s 2000 Playboy article seemed to have dissipated, another Democrat has resuscitated the controversy. This time it’s Rep. Jim Oberstar, the powerful Iron Range DFLer who chairs the House transportation committee, criticizing the U.S. Senate candidate.

In a statement released yesterday, Oberstar labeled the sex fantasy column “amateur and silly,” and called on Franken to disown it. The renewed tumult comes just days before Democrats are set to endorse a candidate at the state convention in Rochester to challenge Sen. Norm Coleman. Franken’s chief opponent for the nomination is college professor and activist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. Attorney Mike Ciresi, who dropped out of the race in March, is also keeping a close eye on the race.

Last week Rep. Betty McCollum made headlines when she called out Franken for the Playboy piece, saying it was offensive and potentially damaging to other Democrats on the ticket. Other Democrats, including Reps. Tim Walz and Keith Ellison, also criticized the article.