To those insisting that Sen. Franken should have had an Ethics Committee hearing...

[brooklynite]

...be aware that the Ethics Committee only investigates matters relating to conduct as a Senator. The first and the last accusation related to events that occurred before he was elected. The photo events in the middle were never outright denied, so it's not likely that the Ethics Committee would have done much.

[kcr]

1. Where did you hear this?

I don't think that's actually true.

[Denzil_DC]

2. Unless I'm reading this wrong, it's not true (my bold):

The Senate Select Committee on Ethics is authorized to receive and investigate allegations of improper conduct which may reflect upon the Senate, violations of law, violations of the Senate Code of Official Conduct and violations of rules and regulations of the Senate; recommend disciplinary action; recommend additional Senate rules or regulations to insure proper standards of conduct; and report violations of law to the proper federal and state authorities.

Senate Resolution 338 (88th Congress), as amended - https://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/jurisdiction

[kcr]

4. Thanks. I didn't think that was right.

[Denzil_DC]

5. That link's the "Jurisdiction" page

It may not be the last word, but as framed, it implies a potentially very broad remit.

[brooklynite]

8. When Sen. Vitter was investigated...

...the Committee determined that his behavior with prostitutes was deemed outside the prevue of the Committee because it occurred before he was elected.

[Denzil_DC]

9. See the other reply to you here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=9947732

[leftstreet]

3. The scope for proper standards of conduct isn't just in the Senate

And yes, events occurring before serving are fair game

[bagelsforbreakfast]

6. Can u alert a post for misinformation? Nm

[CentralMass]

7. I'm not sure that conclusion is that clear cut. McConnell just said that if Moore wins in Alabama

that he would immediately face the commitee.
http://time.com/5028164/al-franken-groping-ethics-committee-investigation-leann-tweeden/