Now Al Franken can proclaim, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and dog-gone it, people like me!” as himself, and not as Stuart Smalley.

The political comedian and author, whose credits include writing and starring in “Saturday Night Live,” being a five-time New York Times best-selling author and winning three Emmy awards, announced yesterday that he will run for U.S. Senator of his home state, Minnesota.

And the popular funny-man is not kidding. This is a serious political attempt, and why shouldn’t it be?

Franken graduated from Harvard with a government degree. Many aspiring politicians have the same, if not lesser, credentials. The Air America Radio commentator has also been following Washington for much of his comedy career. Writing thought-provoking and intelligent jokes about politics requires a high level of knowledge and understanding of the material.

Franken also admitted running for office will be the biggest challenge he will ever face, realizing voters may question his professionalism. Clearly, the personality knows the gravity of a political campaign.

And his candidacy should not be compared to entries into the political realm from fellow statesman and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura or California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. These men were known for their theatrics and were very much removed from government affairs before essentially championing a few issues and initiating gubernatorial bids.

Franken has been dealing in politics for many years and has appeared on many hard-news television and radio broadcasts to share his views.

One thing that could hold the comedian back is his paper trail. He has written some vulgar and offensive material when being funny was his livelihood — including some parts of Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot that lampoon the right-wing commentator’s obesity.

But this type of openness can actually help Franken in his senatorial plight. He wears his opinions on his sleeve, and critics won’t have to search for his faults as they do for most candidates — he’ll tell them what they are. Transparency is endearing.

Other politicians keep their closet doors locked, and when skeletons come out, they are a major threat — not just because of what the problems could be, but because they cover them up.

Franken’s vie for the Senate could set the stage for other political comedians to throw their hats into some rings. Just think how CSPAN’s ratings could skyrocket if Franken, Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert share the floor some day.