[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/25/art.frankencu0725.gi.jpg caption="'I know progressives are frustrated...because it feels at times not everyone in our party is pushing at the same pace,' Democratic Sen. Franken said Saturday night at the annual Netroots Nation convention."]
Las Vegas, Nevada (CNN) - Using some of his trademark humor and dire predictions, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken implored thousands of his fellow progressive activists Saturday to redouble their efforts to prevent the Democrats from losing control of Congress.
He jokingly called the Netroots Nation convention of bloggers, leaders and others "the most exciting political gathering of the year without guns."
On a serious note, he said, he shared many of the frustrations of those in the audience about a lack of progress on some of their key priorities.
"You really haven't gotten your moneys' worth," he said, specifically mentioning such ideas as a public option government-run health care plan or education reform or public financing of elections.
"I know progressives are frustrated...because it feels at times not everyone in our party is pushing at the same pace," he said.
He told them, however, that several of the bills that have been passed in this Congress - such as the health care overhaul or Wall Street reform - have helped the nation and were stronger because of their efforts.