Franken exits, setting stage for Smith to join Senate

Sen. Al Franken formally resigned from the Senate on Tuesday, nearly a month after he announced his plans to leave Congress after a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations. The Minnesota Democrat’s departure sets the stage for Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to be sworn in Wednesday to take over his seat. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton picked his second-in-command last month to replace Franken.