Is Franken stealing Sotomayor's show?

When he started speaking, every face and camera lens in the room turned toward Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota. There were grins all around the Judiciary Committee dais. That's a lot of interest for a senator only five days into office, but this was Franken making a first impression on the most visible stage in Washington.

He packed his statement with populism and substance, noting that he's not a lawyer but neither are most Americans.

"I'm just going to start listening," he said.

Are you listening? Send us your thoughts on Franken at @AP_Courtside.

-Laurie Kellman, AP reporter, Congress