In his first term, Minnesota's Sen. Norm Coleman has followed in the tradition of those who have served in the Senate before him. His philosophy may be politically different from the happy liberalism of DFLers Hubert Humphrey, Fritz Mondale and Paul Wellstone, but like all of them, and like Republican David Durenberger, he is a serious senator, a dedicated public servant and a smart, competent legislator.

In his first term, Coleman has distinguished himself in many ways. He has worked hard on rural issues, transportation issues, energy and education. He has used his position on the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations to expose excesses in the United Nations. He and his office have worked on behalf of countless Minnesotans on smaller individual matters, and on major matters of importance to the state like disaster relief after the flooding in Southeast Minnesota and the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis.

We wholeheartedly endorse him for re-election to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 4.

Coleman is facing a stiff challenge from DFL-endorsed Al Franken. Franken's political record is much different from Coleman's. A self-described political satirist, he has made it his mission to do battle with conservatives, ridiculing his opponents with books like "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot," and on a liberal radio channel he founded. He is very good at finding weaknesses in his opponents' positions and characters and poking fun at them. As long as it is satire, his rants haven't had to be that accurate, fair, or constructive. We want better than that in the Senate.

Granted, Franken is smart, talented and at times amusing, but we don't agree with him that being a political satirist is good preparation for holding political office. He seems to think he will shake things up and force change in the Senate and the government. Even Paul Wellstone learned that being passionate and vocal only goes so far in the Senate. He had to learn the legislative process, and to make friendships and alliances before he started making a difference.

Coleman has proved he can work with others, on both sides of the aisle, to get things done for the good of the state and the country. We urge our area readers to let him keep doing it by voting for him on Nov. 4.