ETHICS/LEGAL/POLITICAL FIGURES/WOMEN: “Democratic senators called for Sen. Al Franken to resign on Wednesday [12-6-17], in the wake of a series of allegations of sexual misconduct, in a dramatic shift that narrows the likelihood the Democratic lawmaker will be able to stay in his seat.
The wave of statements from the senators, including a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, marks the first public calls from his Senate colleagues to quit. Mr. Franken is one of a number of lawmakers who have faced calls in recent weeks to resign over allegations of improper behavior toward women.
Mr. Franken has been accused by several women of groping or forcibly kissing them, during rehearsals or while posing for photos. While denying some of the accusations or saying he remembers the incidents differently, Mr. Franken has also apologized and said he has ‘let a lot of people down.’ He has pledged to cooperate with a Senate ethics investigation.
Mr. Franken’s office said he will make an announcement Thursday.”
-Natalie Andrews, “Democratic Senators Call for Al Franken to Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations,” The Wall Street Journal online, Dec. 6, 2017 12:38pm