Las Vegas Review-Journal

Shunned Franken expected to resign

Democrats now calling for senator’s departure

- By Andrew Taylor The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — His once-promising political career in shambles, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken appeared on the verge of resigning after fellow Democrats led by female senators abandoned him Wednesday over the mounting allegation­s of sexual misconduct that are roiling Capitol Hill.

A majority of the Senate’s Democrats called on the two-term lawmaker to get out after another woman emerged Wednesday saying he forcibly tried to kiss her in 2006. That brought to at least seven the number of women accusing him of sexual impropriet­y.

Franken, the former comedian who made his name on “Saturday Night Live,” scheduled an announceme­nt for Thursday. No topic was specified, but Democratic senators said they expected their liberal colleague to resign.

“Enough is enough,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. “We need to draw a line in the sand and say none of it is OK, none of it is acceptable, and we, as elected leaders, should absolutely be held to a higher standard.”

Gillibrand was the first to call for Franken’s resignatio­n Wednesday, but a torrent of Democrats quickly followed.

“I’m shocked and appalled by

Sen. Franken’s behavior,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state. “It’s clear to me that this has been a deeply harmful, persistent problem and a clear pattern over a long period of time. It’s time for him to step aside.”

Though the writing appeared to be on the wall, Franken’s departure was not certain. A tweet posted Wednesday evening on Franken’s Twitter account said: “Senator Franken is talking with his family at this time and plans to make an announceme­nt in D.C. tomorrow. Any reports of a final decision are inaccurate.”

Late in the day, Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York added his voice.

“I consider Senator Franken a dear friend and greatly respect his accomplish­ments, but he has a higher obligation to his constituen­ts and the Senate, and he should step down immediatel­y,” Schumer said.

Pressure is also mounting on Rep. Ruben Kihuen, D-nev., but Kihuen told ABC News on Tuesday that he would not resign amid allegation­s of sexual harassment.

 ?? Andrew Harnik ?? The Associated Press From left, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-ill., Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Gretchen Carlson, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., hold a news conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill to introduce legislatio­n to...
Andrew Harnik The Associated Press From left, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-ill., Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Gretchen Carlson, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., hold a news conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill to introduce legislatio­n to...

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