Franken Focusing On Health Care

Al Franken has immersed himself in the health care debate. He's posed thoughtful questions to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. He's signed on as a co-sponsor of a half dozen bills.

Weeks into his late-starting Senate career, the former comedian and self-professed lover of policy is focusing on a few issues and the daily details of his new profession. Forget the old celebrity stuff. There was nothing flashy about the Minnesota Democrat's first victory. The Service Dog Veterans Act will set up a pilot program with Department of Veterans Affairs to pair service dogs with wounded veterans. Franken introduced it with Republican Senator Johnny Isakson, from Georgia, who said he came away impressed.

Franken's swearing-in July seventh marked the end of an eight-month political and legal struggle since the November race against GOP incumbent Norm Coleman.

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