Former entertainer and comedian Al Franken, who is challenging Republican Sen. Norm Coleman for Minnesota's Senate seat, has agreed to pay nearly $70,000 in back taxes and penalties in 17 states.
Franken blamed an accountant’s error. Joseph N. Mondello, chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, questioned Franken’s qualifications for office.
“Mr. Franken's failure to take responsibility for his company's tax irregularities raises questions that, absent full and complete disclosure, will continue to reflect negatively upon his ability to hold public office,” he said in a statement.
The Minnesota race is expected to be one of the most closely watched, expensive and toughest-fought Senate races this year, The Associated Press reported.
