KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and SportsMeet Norm Coleman

Meet Norm Coleman

(KTTC-TV) -- It's been a wild ride for Minnesota Senate candidates Al Franken, Dean Barkley and Norm Coleman. Now, new allegations that a friend and donor of Coleman funneled 75-thousand dollars to an insurance company that employs his wife. Can Coleman convince voters that this is what he calls "false" and "sleazy" and come out the victor?

You could say politics has always been a way of life for U.S. Senate Incumbent Norm Coleman. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Coleman has often said that most of his preparation for a life in politics came from sitting around the huge Coleman family kitchen table...

Coleman says, "I have so many Friends here."

where a good debate was usually a part of the menu.

Over the years, Coleman has held many prominent positions. A campus organizer, a prosecutor, a two-term mayor of St. Paul and now a U-S Senator representing Minnesota, a role he would like to carry on.

Coleman says, "I trust the people to make a judgment. I think they're looking for optimistic leadership that can get things done."

Coleman believes the nation needs to loosen their dependency on foreign oil.

Although gas prices have fallen in recent weeks, Coleman says we must take bold action to pursue America's oil resources. Coleman has introduced an energy bill to start drilling for oil in certain federal waters. He also supports more funding for renewable fuels.

Coleman says, "Energy inputs are stressing everybody and the answers aren't that complicated, do it all. We want more renewables, more conservation, more production."

From energy to the economy, Coleman says the economic crisis is too big for one party to solve.

Coleman says, "A great challenge, people are worried."

Once unleashing a barrage of attack ads on his opponents, Coleman vowed to cease all negative ads in an effort to drive a positive direction and focus crisis at hand.

Over the longer term, Coleman says we need to aggressively change regulations in the financial markets. He did vote "yes" for the 700-billion dollar economic bailout, because he says it holds Wall Street executives accountable while protecting Minnesota taxpayers, something his Democratic opponent Al Franken disagrees with.

Coleman says, "jobs, healthcare, right!?"

Coleman believes everyone should have access to affordable health care. He supports tax benefits for those who can't access employer-based health coverage. He says the health insurance industry needs regulations, that would lower premiums and give access to people who need it the most.

As for the war in Iraq, Coleman calls it one of the most challenging issues facing our country today. During his 5 trips to Iraq, Coleman has spoken with military commanders, diplomats and senior Iraqi political officials. He believes 2008 can and should end with the U.S. military moving toward a secondary, overwatch role in Iraq.

Coleman says, "If you could give me the next 10 days of your life, I will give you six more years of leadership in the United States Senate and make you proud."

In the polls, Coleman started out in front, then he was behind, now he's ahead. So, could a spin to his campaign ads and a solid push to meet and greet be enough to win on Tuesday?

One of Coleman's final campaign stops will be in Winona at the Blooming Grounds Coffeehouse on Monday at 8 a.m.