Sen. Franken to stump for Del. Senate nominee Coons

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) will campaign this week for Delaware Democratic Senate nominee Chris Coons. 

Franken, a former comedian and liberal talk radio host, will stump Thursday for Coons, according to the Delaware Democratic Party. 

The New Castle County executive faces GOP nominee Christine O'Donnell, who is backed by Tea Party groups, in the general election. Most polls show Coons leading O'Donnell by double-digits.

Republicans viewed the race for Vice President Joe Biden's old seat as a prime pick-up opportunity after Biden's son, state attorney general Beau Biden, decided not to enter the race. But O'Donnell's primary win over nine-term centrist Rep. Mike Castle (R) has appeared to hand momentum back to the Democrats. 

Franken's appearance signals Democrats are not taking the race for granted. While the Minnesota senator spent much of his first year keeping a low-profile, he's shown his fundraising prowess and is sure to attract attention in Delaware.