Frankenspiracy?

Rick e-mails with the most interesting theory I've heard yet to explain why Al Franken is on Air America:

I was reading The Radio Equalizer's analysis of Al Franken's Mac Daily interview and I had revelation, which may not be new or correct, but I think it is at least interesting.

Al Franken is getting $2 million a year to host on Air America. Competing radio hosts with similar audience size and ratings are getting about $200k. (And none of those have to pay stations to air their talk shows). Air America is paying a $1.8 Million premium to have Al be the leader of the network. By all measures Al is a lousy talk show host, he doesn't have objective proof (ratings) that he is worth $2M. I think you would agree that the left has a large talent pool to pick from (the left owns the entertainment industry), and could easily find someone who for $200-500k could actually do Air America some good. Franken is wealthy enough without having to draw a huge salary, and one would think he more than anyone else at AAR could afford to sacrifice to make the network successful.

I have always assumed Franken demanded a giant salary to assuage his huge ego, just to prove he was a good as Limbaugh and O'Reilly. It dawned on me that there might be an ulterior motive behind Al's big salary. Is this a way finance his Senate campaign? By 2007, Al will have accumulated 8 million minus taxes from Air America. This is money he will be able to loan to his campaign fund.

Air America was launched in 2004, well after Wellstone's death. So it's not inconceivable that he hatched a plan to run for senate long before Air America came to be. It is conceivable that this approach allows wealthy contributors to directly support a campaign beyond normal limits.

The only fact I know that runs counter to this theory is that Franken's producer supposedly earns $600k a year (did Katherine get that much?). I can't explain how that is either justified or how it might relate to a campaign fund raising scheme.

Questions to Ask:

Q--How much is Al giving out for political donations?

A--only $1000 in 2005, in 2006 he and his family have given $15,000 to his Midwest Values PAC, which would likely end up back in the Franken '08 coffers

Q--After his living expenses, taxes and charity, what does Franken have left in the bank?

A--???

That's my conspiracy theory, such as it is.

SP ADDS: Al Franken is scheduled to appear on the Michael Medved show tomorrow. Not sure what time, but I'm sure conspiracy accusations can be leveled at any point during the show, which runs from 2 - 5 PM Central on AM1280 the Patriot, and web streaming here.