Sen. Franken stars on YouTube in bid for Google fiber networks

Funnyman Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) is now a pitchman to bring Google's new fiber networks to the midwestern cities of Duluth and Superior.

Before being elected to Congress, Franken played the role of Duluth's Answer Man on "Saturday Night Live," giving factoids and trivia about Duluth to tourists. For example, "The Duluth Depot is home to the second largest display of railroad equipment."

It's just another gimmick towns around the country are employing to get the attention of Google. Topeka, Kan., and Sarasota, Fla., have both temporarily renamed their towns "Google" and "Google Island" to help strengthen their bids for the fastest network around.

The deadline for submitting a formal request is March 26. Franken will have some competition from fellow members of Congress. Rep. Rick Boucher told Hillicon Valley last week that he has staff members devoted to helping towns in his southern Virginia district apply.

Franken says in the video, "please support Duluth's nomination for Google fiber by visiting GoogleTwinPorts.com."