Dems mourn Franken’s demise but see a 2018 election benefit

WASHINGTON — Members of both parties are glum and guarded after a shocking week in which Sen. Al Franken and two other members of Congress have resigned after accusations of sexual harassment.

Democrats say their handling of the issue gives them a weapon for the 2018 congressional elections. Republicans are contesting that.

The week included the resignations of two high-profile liberal Democrats, Franken and Rep. John Conyers. Democrats are contrasting that with Donald Trump remaining president and Alabama Republican Roy Moore, who may well be elected to the Senate next week. Democrats say Franken’s and Conyers’ departures will help them win over female and suburban voters in next year’s congressional elections. Republicans say Trump was elected president last year despite sexual harassment allegations.