A Franken Staff Announcement

Norm Coleman might be taking the MN Senate election to court, but Democrat Al Franken is gearing up to govern. He announced today that he's hired Alana Peterson, who has worked for five years for Rep. Jim Oberstar, as his state director.

"I want Minnesotans to be able to rely on me for assistance with the federal government," Franken said in a statement. "Whether it's a Social Security check, a small business loan, or help for a returning veteran, my office will be there for the people of our state, following the examples set by Sen. Klobuchar, our fine Congressional delegation, and those who came before us. That's the Minnesota way, and nobody is better at it than Alana. Drawing on her wealth of experience and her ability to reach out to every constituency in Minnesota, when I have the privilege of being certified, she'll work with me to ensure that we hit the ground running on Day One."

Peterson added: "I've gotten to know Al, and I know he'll be the kind of Senator who works hard on behalf of every Minnesotan. I share his understanding that Minnesotans are facing some tough challenges right now, and I share his vision to support Minnesotans and strengthen our state. I'm thrilled to join his team."

A brief bio of Peterson, provided by Franken's office, is available after the jump.

Alana Petersen was born and raised in Minnesota, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Morris. Aside from four years in Washington as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congressman Minge, Alana has been a lifelong resident of the state. Alana has spent the last five years working on Congressman Oberstar's Minnesota staff, serving as his Political Director and Director of Field Operations, where she focused on constituent outreach and regional organizing. She currently lives with her family on a farm outside of Pine City.