Franken Opposes Obama Choice For Norway Ambassador

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Al Franken says he opposes President Barack Obama's nominee for U.S. ambassador to Norway.

Franken says he agrees with the Norwegian-American community's doubts over whether George Tsunis would be an effective ambassador.

Franken made his comments in a letter Monday to Secretary of State John Kerry. The Minnesota Democrat, who is running for re-election, says he will vote against confirming Tsunis if it comes up for a vote in the Senate.

Tsunis is a top Democratic political fundraiser, and the founder, chairman and CEO of Chartwell Hotels. Concerns were raised about his nomination after a poor performance in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this year.

A phone message and an email left by The Associated Press for Tsunis were not immediately returned Tuesday.