<p>Progressive Democrats are increasing the pressure on Senator Al Franken (D-MN) to retire following accusations that he sexually harassed journalist Leeann Tweeden. ;</p>
<p>The accusations are validated by a ;photo showing Franken putting his hands near Tweeden&#8217;s breasts while she was asleep on a plane ride after a USO tour in 2006. Franken, a comedian at the time, said the picture was meant to be funny. He apologized to Tweeden, called his actions &ldquo;shameful,&rdquo; and said that he would gladly cooperate with an ethics investigation. ;</p>
<p>Tweeden, who has accepted Franken&#8217;s apology and has not asked him to resign, also claims that Franken &lsquo;forcefully kissed her&rsquo; without her consent under the guise of rehearsing for a skit. Franken says he does not remember this incident. ;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Franken must go. We do not tolerate those who abuse their power,&rdquo; argues Saikat Chakrabarti, executive director of Justice Democrats PAC, a group of former Sanders campaign staff and other prominent progressives. The PAC launched a petition Thursday demanding Franken&rsquo;s resignation. As of Friday, the petition had nearly 7,000 signatures. ;</p>
<p>&ldquo;No one should fear their elected representatives, so, sadly, for me, I think the Senator should resign,&rdquo; said Megan Thomas, president of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. ;</p>
<p>If Franken decides to step down, it will be up to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (D) to appoint an interim senator who will serve until a special election can be held or until Minnesota&rsquo;s next statewide contest in November 2018. ;</p>
<p>Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) is the favorite to replace Franken. ;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Representative Keith Ellison has a proven track record of integrity and fighting for progressive principles,&rdquo; said Chakrabarti. ;</p>
<p>Ellison, a Muslim who also serves as Deputy Chair for the DNC, has a reputation as one of the most liberal lawmakers in Congress. ;  ;</p>
<p>&ldquo;It took extraordinary bravery for Leeann Tweeden to come forward,&rdquo; said Ellison. &ldquo;Al Franken has been a good friend of mine for years, but we as a progressive community must take her words seriously, and fully commit ourselves to creating a world free from sexual harassment and assault.&rdquo; ;</p>
<p>Minnesota is a blue state, so it is likely that whoever serves as interim Senator will win in the election next year. ;</p>
<p><strong>Editor&#8217;s note:</strong> He has admitted all of this, he has always been a jerk. Good riddance.</p>