Female Sens Lead Barrage of Dems Calling for Franken Resignation

30 Democrats in the U.S. Senate and those who caucus with them on Wednesday called for Democratic Senator Al Franken to resign in light of the allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

More than half of the female Democratic contingent in the Senate has joined the chorus for Franken to resign:

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Debbie Stabenow, Maggie Hassan, Mazie Hirono, Claire McCaskill, Tammy Baldwin, Kamala Harris, Heidi Heitkamp, Maria Cantwell and third-ranking Senate Democrat Patty Murray all called for his resignation.

Franken will make an announcement Thursday about his future, his office said.

Today, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside. I’ve struggled with this decision because he’s been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women. (thread)

— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) December 6, 2017

Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez has also called for Franken to step down.

The Senate Ethics Committee is investigating the allegations against Franken.

Gillibrand wrote on Facebook that while Franken is entitled to have the Ethics Committee conclude its review, "I believe it would be better for our country if he sent a clear message that any kind of mistreatment of women in our society isn't acceptable by stepping aside to let someone else serve."

Sexual harassment and misconduct should not be allowed by anyone and should not occur anywhere. I believe the best thing for Senator Franken to do is step down.

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) December 6, 2017

"I'm shocked and appalled by Sen. Franken's behavior," Murray said. "It's clear to me that this has been a deeply harmful, persistent problem and a clear pattern over a long period of time. It's time for him to step aside."

There are 16 female Democrats in the Senate.