U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken kicked off a four-day tour of the state Monday morning with a short press conference at the state Capitol. He said he wants to talk to Minnesotans about how he differs from incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, particularly the way the candidates stick up for the middle class.

He said: Coleman is in the pocket of special interests; his campaign isn't.

He said he'll meet with families and community leaders in Golden Valley, Coon Rapids, Rochester, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.

Franken also said he now has received donations to his campaign from 95,000 people, including 16,000 from Minnesota. His books and radio shows attract a large amount of out-of-state donors, he said.

And asked if he's decided whom to support for the Democratic presidential nomination, he said: "No."

Either would be a great president, he said, calling them two of the smartest people he knows.

The Franken tour schedule this week:
Monday, 2 to 3 p.m. at the home of Andrea Wiley, Golden Valley.
Monday, 4 to 5 p.m. at the home of Sue Evert, Coon Rapids.

Tuesday, 11 a.m. to noon, at the home of Lloyd Carter, Rochester.
Tuesday, 12:30 to 2 p.m., bus tour of homes renovated in Rochester by the Rochester Area Foundation/First Homes.

Wednesday, St. Cloud, schedule to be announced.

Thursday, Metro area, schedule to be announced.