Sex-scandal turmoil roils Congress
House Dems call for Conyers to quit; Franken still on hot seat
WASHINGTON — As allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful lawmakers roil Congress, House Democrats on Thursday delivered their strongest rebuke yet with calls for Michigan Rep. John Conyers’ resignation, while those in the Senate reserved judgment for their embattled colleague, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi characterized the multiple accusations against the 88-year-old Conyers, which included repeated propositions for sex and retaliation against one former aide who rebuffed his advances, as “serious, disappointing and very credible.”
The top Democrat in the House said, “Congressman Conyers should resign,” a call echoed by other Democratic leaders.
Conyers’ lawyer, Arnold Reed, swiftly rejected the request as the lawmaker professes his innocence.
“Nancy Pelosi did not elect the congressman, and she sure as hell won’t be the one to tell the congressman to leave. That decision will be completely up to the congressman,” Reed said.
Meanwhile, Franken faced a new allegation: An Army veteran accused him of groping her during a USO Christmas tour in the Middle East more than a decade ago.
Stephanie Kemplin, 41, of Maineville, Ohio, told CNN that Franken had cupped her right breast when she stood next to him for a photo in December 2003.
Kemplin became the fifth women in two weeks to accuse Franken of sexual misconduct.
The Senate Ethics Committee announced on Thursday that it had opened a preliminary investigation into the allegations against Franken, who has apologized and said he welcomes the probe.