Minnesota Senator Al Franken announced his resignation on the floor of the U.S. Senate Thursday. With the announcement, Franken joins fellow Democrat Rep. John Conyers, as the first high-profile lawmakers who decided their positions in government had become untenable.
“Today I am announcing that in the coming weeks I will be resigning my seat,” Franken said.
At least six women have accused the Senator of misconduct
Franken’s decision comes after at least six women have stepped forward with claims that he made unwanted sexual advances. Like Conyers, Franken denies the latest allegations saying statements he made were misunderstood.
“It gave some people the false impression I was admitting to doing things that in fact I haven’t done,” said Franken adding that some the allegations were “simply not true.”
According to Politico, the latest accusation comes from an unidentified former aide who says Franken tried to forcibly kiss her before he was elected to the Senate. The report allegedly claims Franken told the aide “It’s my right as an entertainer.”
Franken’s speech turned into one of martyrdom as he blasted President Trump and Roy Moore who is running for U.S. Senate in Alabama amid accusations that he molested underage girls early in his career as a prosecutor.
“I, of all people, am aware there some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party,” said Franken.
In a White House press briefing after the announcement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders dodged questions regarding Franken's comments about President Trump and sexual allegations against Roy Moore.
More than 25 Senate Democrats, lined up calling for Franken to resign
In a statement issued Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
, said: “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.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., was the first female Senator calling for Franken’s resignation in a statement released on Facebook.
Neither Conyers nor Franken were found guilty of crimes, and neither had the opportunity to have their situations investigated fully by the Senate Ethics Committee before stepping down.
Franken was adamant that the allegations and his decision will not tarnish his legacy, and that he will continue to be an advocate for the people of Minnesota.
“I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a Senator – nothing – has brought dishonor on this institution,” said Franken adding, “I may be resigning my seat, but I am not giving up my voice.”
Gov. Mark Dayton of Minnesota, also a Democrat, will likely appoint Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Franken’s Senate seat until a special election can be held in 2018.
