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ST. PAUL (AP) The leading Democrat to criticize Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken over racy material from his past career in satire isn't picking sides now that Franken faces a primary challenger.

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum says she is waiting to ask Franken how he plans to put the issue behind him and unseat Republican Norm Coleman.

McCollum says Franken had to reschedule a meeting planned for earlier this week.

She says she won't say much more until they talk face-to-face.

McCollum says she doesn't know much about Priscilla Lord Faris, the St. Paul attorney who emerged this week as Franken's Democratic primary opponent.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-18-08 1139CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list