Sen. Al Franken To Step Down Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami) - Speaking on the floor of the Senate Friday morning, Minnesota Democrat Al Franken announced that he will resign "in the coming weeks" amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Franken was pressured to step down after eight women have come forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior.
"I may be resigning my seat but I am not giving up my voice," said Franken after announcing his resignation.
Franken said he's had a couple of tough weeks, but he's a very lucky man.
"I have a beautiful healthy, family that I love. And that loves me very much. I'm going to be just fine," he said.
He also noted the irony of the situation.
"I of all people am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party," said Franken, referencing Donald Trump and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore.
"Even today, even on the worst day of my political life, I feel like it's all been worth it," he added.
On Wednesday, Politico reported that a former Democratic staffer claimed Franken "tried to forcibly kiss her after a taping of his radio show in 20006," insisting "it's my right as an entertainer."
The two-term senator called that "categorically not true."
Radio host Leanne Tweeden made a similar accusation three weeks ago and produced a photo of Franken appearing to grope her while she slept. The incident allegedly happened during a USO tour in 2006, two years before Franken's election to the U.S. Senate.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton will now appoint a ten-month replacement and the Senate seat would be up for grabs in the 2018 election.