Franken Stays in DC For Start of Obama’s Minnesota Visit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - U.S. Sen. Al Franken won't be on President Barack Obama's flight to Minnesota for the start of a two-day visit.

Franken spokesman Ed Shelleby says the Democrat stayed in Washington on Thursday for a confirmation vote on the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.

Franken had intended to join Obama on Air Force One and later appear with his fellow Democrat at a Minneapolis town hall.

Shelleby says Franken intends to be back in the state Friday to attend an economic policy speech Obama will deliver by Lake Harriet.

Franken is seeking a second term this fall and Republicans predict Obama's struggling poll numbers will weigh the senator down.