National Post (National Edition)
PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR FRANKEN TO RESIGN
More allegations of misconduct surface
WASHINGTON • Sen. Al Franken, his political career in shambles amid sexual misconduct allegations, lost the support of his Democratic colleagues Wednesday and faced new pressures to resign over what a fellow senator said was a “clear pattern” of abuse.
Franken’s support in the Senate crumbled after another woman emerged saying he forcibly tried to kiss her in 2006, bringing to seven the number of women accusing him of sexual impropriety. More than a half dozen female Democratic senators and some men called on him to resign.
The Minnesota Democrat scheduled an announcement for Thursday, and while his office didn’t specify the topic, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden said he expected Franken to resign at that time.
“I’m shocked and appalled by Sen. Franken’s behaviour,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “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.”
“Obviously, there were new allegations today, and enough is enough,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand told reporters. “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.”
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer did not immediately comment, but Minority Whip Dick Durbin was among those calling for Franken to step aside.
The demands came in rapid succession after Franken on Wednesday vehemently denied a new sexual misconduct accusation that came from a former Democratic congressional aide, who said he tried to forcibly kiss her after a taping of his radio show in 2006.
The woman, who was not identified, told Politico that Franken pursued her after her boss had left and she was collecting her belongings. She said she ducked to avoid his lips, and that Franken told her: “It’s my right as an entertainer.”
Franken, in a statement, said the idea he would claim such conduct as a right as an entertainer was “preposterous.”
But it was soon clear that Franken’s position had become untenable, and his office later issued a statement saying, “Senator Franken will be making an announcement tomorrow. More details to come.”
Capitol Hill has long had a culture that has erred on the side of protecting lawmakers.