The Hill News

Delaware Democratic Senate nominee Chris Coons is seeking to boost his campaign this week with an appearance by a liberal Democratic senator. 

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), a former comedian and liberal talk radio host, will stump for Coons on Thursday, according to the Delaware Democratic Party.

The New Castle County executive faces GOP nominee Christine O'Donnell, who is backed by Tea Party groups, in the general election. Most polls show Coons leading O'Donnell by double-digits.

Republicans viewed the race for Vice President Joe Biden's old seat as a prime pick-up opportunity after Biden's son, state attorney general Beau Biden, decided not to enter the race. But O'Donnell's primary win over nine-term centrist Rep. Mike Castle (R) has appeared to! hand momentum back to the Democrats. 

But Franken's appearance signals that Democrats are not taking the race for granted. The Minnesota senator spent much of his first year keeping a low-profile following his narrow victory that was decided in a recount over former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) in 2008, but has since expanded his public political profile.

Last month, Coons distanced himself from remarks by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who faces a tough reelection battle. Reid called Coons his "pet," in an interview with The Hill, explaining that the Delawarean is his favorite candidate.

"I've met Senator Reid at least twice," Coons later told the Huffington Post. "When I first jumped into this race to the U.S. Senate, he and I had a very good, long conversation, and he has regularly called to check in and encourage me, and I'm grateful for his encouragement. But I'm running my own race for the people of Delaware, and I'm running to be an independent voice that will fight for Delaware's families and Delaware's concerns."