Female Democratic senators call on Al Franken to resign

The women of the Senate Democrats join in growing chorus against alleged sexual harassment

Dec 6, 2017

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On Wednesday, ten Democratic Senators called for Senator Al Franken, who has been hit with a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, to resign.

Among these calls, CNN has also reported that Franken is expected to make a decision on Thursday.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was the first to call for Franken’s resignation, going to social media to announce her intentions, though she was soon joined by Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Patty Murray of Washington, Kamala Harris of California and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.

Sexual harassment and misconduct should not be allowed by anyone and should not occur anywhere. I believe the best thing for Senator Franken to do is step down.

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) December 6, 2017

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: “Sen. Franken is entitled to the Senate Ethics investigation process, but I don’t think Congress is equipped, I don’t think they have the tools to do the kind of accountability the American people are searching for” https://t.co/NNp4EVsPbL

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 6, 2017

“While Senator Franken is entitled to have the Ethics Committee conclude its review, I believe it would be better for our country if he sent a clear message that any kind of mistreatment of women in our society isn’t acceptable by stepping aside to let someone else serve,” Gillibrand said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside,” Hirono agreed on Twitter. “I’ve struggled with this decision because he’s been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women.”

“Enough is enough,” Gillibrand said at a press conference.