MnIndy slideshow: State fair politics

The only place for a politician to be on the last Friday of summer is the Minnesota State Fair. There are almost certainly more backs to slap and babies to kiss than at any other gathering of the year. It seemed like half the state’s residents were prowling the fairgrounds today. U.S. Sen. Al Franken was among the masses.

Franken was on hand for an appearance with Gary Eichten on Minnesota Public Radio’s Midday program.

Afterwards Minnesota’s junior senator posed for photos and signed autographs.

State Rep. Paul Kohls, who is eyeing the governor’s residence, was working the GOP booth.

He was joined by former state auditor Pat Anderson, who is also looking to win the state’s top post.

This woman did not want her picture taken. Nor does she want health care reform.

The Republicans were doing a brisk business in buttons.

The lines were long to greet Franken.