Minnesota U-S Senator Al Franken announced Thursday he is resigning in the wake of several sexual assault allegations. Franken is in his second term as a Senator. Aaron Matson is Communications Director for the South Dakota Democratic Party. He says Franken is making the correct decision to leave his Senate seat.
“Well, I think Democrats believe any kind of sexual harassment or misconduct or assault don’t have any place in the Democratic Party or the U-S Congress or the White House or anywhere—so it was appropriate for Senator Franken to resign.”
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton now is tasked with naming a replacement to finish Franken’s current term. Matson says there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off between senators.
I would guess that once Senator Franken does resign, whoever Governor Dayton appoints would be ready to take his place. And so, I don’t think there’ll be too many votes affected by this. Obviously, with a close senate, 52-48 split, losing any one vote is—is hard.”
In an address to the Senate this (Thursday) morning, Franken called representing Minnesota the highlight of his life. He did not give an exact date for leaving the seat—saying instead his resignation will take effect in the next several weeks.