Alan Stuart "Al" Franken is an Emmy Award–winning American comedian, actor, author, screenwriter, liberal political commentator, radio host and, recently, politician. He is noted for his work on Saturday Night Live and his liberal political views. Franken grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. On February 14, 2007, Franken announced his candidacy for the 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which will select its candidate in the 2008 Minnesota Primary on September 9, 2008. The seat is currently held by Republican Norm Coleman and was previously held by Franken's close friend Paul Wellstone.