Senator Amy Klobuchar weighs in on Franken replacement

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Senator Amy Klobuchar weighed in on who she thinks should replace Senator Al Franken for the first time on Sunday, and though she didn't name anyone specifically she did say the change needs to happen sooner rather than later.

In lieu of a name, she described what kind of person she believes should replace Franken in the Senate, though he said in a resignation speech Thursday that he wouldn't be leaving immediately due to several large issues on the agenda. 

“It’s important that we have two senators,” Klobuchar said. “I was the only senator, if anyone remembers, for six months.” 

For the first half of 2009 Klobuchar worked alone during the legal battle and subsequent recount that eventually sided with Al Franken. 

She made it clear that whoever replaces Franken should not anticipate too much transition time--Klobuchar does not intend to carry the workload of two senators for a second time. 

“I think it’s very important, having been the only one in modern history to have been through this, that someone get appointed," she said. “We have major tax legislation coming up that may or may not be done by the end of the year. We have got budget that may or may not be completely done by the end of the year.” 

Imminent issues include a bi-partisan bill that changes parts of the Affordable Care Act and CHIP—the child health insurance program—that needs to be funded once again.