Democratic Senators Urge Franken to Reconsider Resignation

At least two Democratic Senators who called for Al Franken’s resignation just two weeks ago are now asking him to reconsider resigning. 

Al Franken (D-MN) was pressured to resign from Congress after eight women accused him of sexual misconduct. Franken had encouraged the Ethics Committee to make the decision on whether or not he was a predator, but no such investigation took place. The allegations against him remain unproven. 

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has been harsh in his criticism of those who called for Franken to resign only to gather on the Senate floor the following day to watch his resignation announcement. “What they did to Al was atrocious, the Democrats,” says Manchin. “The most hypocritical thing I’ve ever seen done to a human being – and then have enough guts to sit on the floor, watch him give his speech and go over and hug him? That’s hypocrisy at the highest level I’ve ever seen in my life. Made me sick.” 

From the beginning, Manchin urged Franken not to step down unless the Ethics Committee could prove the claims against him were true. Manchin believes it is unlikely Franken will change his mind, but he hopes the Senators who led the charge against him will ask Franken to remain in Congress until the Ethics process is complete. 

One of those Senators is Pat Leahy (D-VT), who on December 6th joined a group of Democrats in demanding that Franken step down. Less than two weeks later, Leahy privately told Franken of his regret. 

“I have stood for due process throughout my years as a prosecutor and in chairing the Judiciary Committee,” said Leahy. “I regret not doing that this time. The Ethics Committee should have been allowed to investigate and make its recommendation.” 

Last week, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith was named as Franken’s replacement. She has Franken’s full support and he is currently working with her on the transition. 

Author’s Note: This is very strange. Washington and Hollywood have been on a massive hunt to find anyone to expel because of sexual behavior.  In Washington, it appears to be mostly because they want to attack Trump. But strangely they are getting some pushback and some regrets.  Will this trend reverse?  This could be the result of the revelation that some of Trump’s accusers were paid off to accuse him (click here to read more).

Editor’s Note: I never cared for Franken, I don’t think he is a worthy Senator. I’m not sure his crimes should force him to resign from the Senate, but his lack of a spine in the matter convinces me that he doesn’t deserve his seat.