On Wednesday morning, several Democratic senators for the first time made their stance very clear: Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) should resign.
It began with several Democratic women in the Senate, including Sens. Claire McCaskill (MO), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Maggie Hassan (NH), Mazie Hirono (HI), Patty Murray (WA), and Kamala Harris (CA). They posted messages on social media within minutes of each other.
Al Franken should resign.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) December 6, 2017
As elected officials, we should be held to the highest standards—not the lowest. The allegations against Sen. Franken describe behavior that cannot be tolerated. While he’s entitled to an Ethics Committee hearing, I believe he should step aside to let someone else serve.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 6, 2017
It is clear that Al Franken has engaged in a pattern of egregious and unacceptable behavior toward women. He should resign.
— Sen. Maggie Hassan (@SenatorHassan) December 6, 2017
Today, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside. 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. (thread)
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) December 6, 2017
I’m shocked and appalled by Senator Franken’s behavior. It’s clear to me that this has been a deeply harmful, persistent problem and a clear pattern over a long period of time.
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) December 6, 2017
It’s time for him to step aside.
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
Some of Franken’s male colleagues, including Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), later joined in, calling on Franken to resign.
There have been calls for investigations since allegations against Franken for sexual misconduct came out, but this is the most direct — and prominent — call by Franken’s Democratic colleagues for him to resign.
Seven women have accused Franken of sexual harassment and assault, ranging from unwanted kissing to groping. The allegations come in the midst of a nationwide reckoning with sexual misconduct, following the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.
Now other women are coming out against Franken — and demanding he step aside.