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How Senator Al Franken would vote on a climate-energy bill
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Now that Al Franken finally has been declared the winner of a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota, what would he likely bring to the climate-energy debate? .jpg)
For starters: a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority in the Senate; an intelligent, thoughtful voice; a high-recognition name; and an exceptional sense of humor -- which the Senate could really use.
He’ll be a key vote for a climate-energy bill, as long as it appeals to agriculture.
His Web site leads off with this headline: “Minnesota farm families need a senator they can count on.” Franken makes it clear that in his home state "farming is an essential element of our economy and a pillar of our national security.”
At the same time, he writes that rural Minnesota can be an innovator, the epicenter and engine of a renewable energy economy. One of his top priorities in Washington will be to make sure that happens – and to ensure that farmers get their share of the benefits.
Franken also says that he’ll fight for wind credits that farmers can use on their earned income, besides building on Minnesota’s success in ethanol and biodiesel.
Does this translate into a “yes” vote for a climate-energy bill? Don Kettl, dean of the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, thinks so. “Franken would help provide strong support for the president’s climate-change initiative,” he said, in an interview with Time.
Sen. Al Franken is expected to be sworn in Tuesday, after a nearly eight-month battle, beating out GOP incumbent Norm Coleman. Minnesota finally has two senators -- the other is Amy Klobuchar (in AP photo above).
Here is a related article: http://www.examiner.com/x-12720-DC-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m6d30-Agriculture-seen-as-a-key-to-passing-climateenergy-bill-in-the-Senate
