UPDATED: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand calls on Al Franken to resign: 'Enough is enough'

[DonViejo]

Source: RawStory


BRAD REED
06 DEC 2017 AT 11:36 ET

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) on Wednesday said that it was time for her embattled colleague, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), to resign.

In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, Gillibrand said that, while she had long considered Franken a friend and a first-rate colleague, she could no longer ignore the multiple women who have come out and accused him of groping them or making unwanted sexual advances toward them.

Gillibrand said that the flood of stories coming out about powerful men sexually harassing women mean it is time to start drawing lines and she simply could not exempt Franken from facing consequences.

We have to rise to the occasion, and not shrink away from it, even when its hard, especially when its hard, she said. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on Senator Frankens behavior. Enough is enough. The women who have come forward are brave and I believe them. While its true that his behavior is not the same as the criminal conduct alleged against Roy Moore, or Harvey Weinstein, or President Trump, it is still unquestionably wrong, and should not be tolerated.

Developing

###

Read more: https://www.rawstory.com/2017/12/sen-kirsten-gillibrand-calls-on-al-franken-to-resign-enough-is-enough/

---

UPDATE

Female senators call on Franken to resign

By ELANA SCHOR and SEUNG MIN KIM 12/06/2017 11:31 AM EST Updated 12/06/2017 11:44 AM EST

A growing number of female senators on Wednesday called on Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) to resign in the wake of multiple sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was the first of Franken's fellow Senate Democrats to take that step and was quickly followed by Democratic Sens. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire.

"While Senator 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 isnt acceptable by stepping aside to let someone else serve," Gillibrand said in a Facebook post.

The calls came after POLITICO reported that a former Democratic congressional aide said he tried to forcibly kiss her after a taping of his radio show in 2006, three years before he became a U.S. senator. Franken, who had previously been accused by six other women of groping or trying to forcibly kiss them, denied the accusation. Hirono said she "struggled with this decision because hes been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women."

McCaskill tweeted simply: "Al Franken should resign."

###

https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/06/gillibrand-calls-on-franken-to-resign-282112?loap_a1

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Senate Democratic women call on Franken to resign amid further allegations of sexual harassment

By Elise Viebeck December 6 at 11:44 AM
A group of Senate Democratic women called Wednesday for Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) to resign amid mounting allegations of sexual harassment.

In a lengthy statement posted on Facebook, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said she was “shocked” and “disappointed” by several women’s allegations that Franken inappropriately touched them. She was joined by Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), who made their views known on Twitter.

“While Senator 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,” Gillibrand wrote.

If he resigns, Franken would be the second member of Congress to step aside amid a recent reckoning over sexual harassment on Capitol Hill. Facing multiple accusations of misconduct around female aides, Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) stepped down on Tuesday after more than half a century in Congress.

more
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/senate-democratic-women-call-on-franken-to-resign-amid-further-allegations-of-sexual-harassment/2017/12/06/ddaf260e-daa2-11e7-a841-2066faf731ef_story.html

[OnDoutside]

1. How about Gillibrand resigns ? This is more of this false equivalency stupidity.

[lark]

19. Gillibrand is an ass.

If I lived in NY, I'd be ashamed to have her represent me. Yeah, lets just let repugs lie and get rid of all progressive dem men, but it's ok not to hold repugs to the same stds? BS!!!!

[whathehell]

32. I disagree completely with her on this, but I don't think she's "an ass"

I liked the way she went after sex assault in th e military, for one thing...One bad move does not an ass make, imo.

[pangaia]

77. A bad move of this magnitude does an ass make.She is my senator.

I'm finished with her.

[whathehell]

79. In your opinion..We'll just have to agree to disagree. n/t.

[pangaia]

81. And that is ok..

[whathehell]

82. Yes it is..

[chimpymustgo]

93. She's an ass - and going after Bill Clinton, too? Why isn't she calling for TRUMP to resign?

Franken should resign after Trump does!

[lark]

80. This is way bigger than Franken. If Dems cave based on lies, they are done.

Repugs will just hire some floozy to tell lies about Dems and they win. It's what happened with that Hannity sidekick and that woman today was totally lying as well. All the while actual pedophiles and rapist represent 'repugs and they don't care about the acts, only the politics because they are so evil..

[whathehell]

92. I agree with you there..

I don't want Franken to resign at this point and I'm sick to death of Dems caving!

[OnDoutside]

39. I couldn't agree more.

[trueblue2007]

91. I agree and i'm sorry to say I don't support her.

[Mr. Evil]

66. Gillibrand and Harris have an agenda involving 2020.

Last edited Wed Dec 6, 2017, 02:55 PM - Edit history (1)

They are both planning a run for president in the next election and most likely see Sen. Al Franken as an obstacle rather than an ally. It's been my experience firsthand that women can be just as corrupt, vile and disgusting as any man.

[DeminPennswoods]

68. That is true

Women can be quite conniving when it suits their purposes.

Oh, and doesn't Gillibrand owe her meteoric rise to Bill Clinton?

[Mr. Evil]

95. Yes, she does.

[joshcryer]

94. Yep.

[iluvtennis]

2. NOPE, disagree. Until the GOP steps up and does the right thing w/Trump and Roy Moore....

...we do nothing.

[Faux pas]

6. +10000000000000000000000000000000000000

[LakeArenal]

9. Uhh.. Not even then. Al Franken should not resign.

What is Gilibrand's agenda?

[pangaia]

78. The presidency

[bluestarone]

85. this

1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000!

[Irish_Dem]

86. We should not connect our morality to the GOP sociopaths. nt

[bagelsforbreakfast]

3. Used to like and respect her. Sad

[brush]

18. It really is sad. Guess the drip-drip-drip, shadowy anonymity of these accusers doesn't raise any...

doubt in her mind that Franken maybe targeted.

Is it naivete, not understanding what Roger Stone, Hannity and the rest of the repugs are capable of?

[ret5hd]

4. Well, I guess there are those here who may get their hateful wish.

[bathroommonkey76]

5. Add Murray to the list

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

WTF is wrong with these women? This is a hit job straight from the alt-right. Unreal.

[SHRED]

7. Circular firing squad

We Democrats are good at this.

[Paladin]

10. God knows we've had way too much practice. (nt)

[dalton99a]

11. No shit

[dchill]

65. Unfortunately true.

[yallerdawg]

8. You know...

right or wrong, good or bad, Franken is damaged goods (photo and his admissions).

Franken should resign.

Personally, I like the old Franken better than the political one, anyway!

[LakeArenal]

12. No.

[yallerdawg]

24. Please don't be shocked...

when it happens.

Have we forgotten Conyers already?

[LakeArenal]

26. No.

[cilla4progress]

13. Much as I hate this...

it is the right move. The focus needs to be taken off him...take away disgusting Conway and other rethugs' ability to use Franken as the bad example of whataboutism.

It gives us the moral high ground to go hard after tRump, Farenthold, Moore.

Essentially, Franken is being sacrificed on the altar of false equivalency. But, there it is.

MN Gov. Dayton will appoint a Dem replacement. Hopefully a woman.

Dems always held to higher standard. Rethugs are cynics , negative, hypocritical, liars, exploiters.

[groundloop]

47. I totally disagree.... at least hold off until ethics investigation is finished

As of right now it's my opinion that repubs are targeting Senator Franken with either exaggerated or totally false claims, I may be proven wrong and if that happens I'll join in calling for a resignation. Until then I don't believe the allegations.

It would be a sad day for us to lose such a powerful voice in the Senate, and the repubs know that. If those of us who believe Senator Franken is being set up are correct then the repubs are diminishing all women who have been the victim of predators.

[moda253]

74. They will just pick another target

JFC how stupid are we as a party?

They are weaponizing the issue and throwing out accusations. And we are falling for it.

[question everything]

14. Will she even consider the possibility that many women will now come forward

with false accusations? Not just against Franken but, maybe against her spouse? (If she has one)

People have lied for many reasons to get notoriety, including admitting to murder.

Franken categorically denies the most recent one and she should give him the benefit of the doubt. If she is unable to do so, to presume someone innocent until proven guilty, she violates her oath to uphold the Constitution.

Oh, and for McCaskill this is not the way to win an uphill elections.

[MosheFeingold]

15. He should not resign -- but announce that he will resign

For a timely election.

We'll do well in the mid-term.

[Bengus81]

16. Same ole' Dems,if we CAN our Senator then Republicans will do the same..........

Last edited Wed Dec 6, 2017, 01:47 PM - Edit history (1)

So if they talk Franken into stepping down then Trump and his thugs will SUDDENLY tell Roy Moore you need to halt your campaign and you do not represent the Republican party.

Yeah...like that will happen. They WIN,we LOSE.

[bathroommonkey76]

23. You're damn right

Dems always cave in these types of situations! This really pisses me the f*ck off!

[Turbineguy]

17. Democrats need to help Bannon.

He needs all the help he can get.

[ancianita]

20. Another purist for whom the perfect is the enemy of the good. She wouldn't know a male ally

from a predator if her life depended on it.

[DownriverDem]

21. No!

As long as trump is sitting in the White House and not being held accountable, I say no! And as long as Roy Moore the pedophile is likely to be the next senator from AL, I say hell no for Franken to resign.

[PoliticAverse]

22. CNN: Six female Democratic senators called on Sen. Al Franken to resign Wednesday,

(CNN)Six female Democratic senators called on Sen. Al Franken to resign Wednesday, marking the first time any senator has called on the Minnesota Democrat to leave office as allegations of sexual harassment against him continue to mount.

In a statement on Facebook, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote: "While Senator 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."

Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Patty Murray of Washington, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Kamala Harris of California and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii also joined in the call for Franken to resign. He has been accused of inappropriately touching several women.

Murray's backing is significant because she's a member of Democratic leadership and is the highest ranking woman in the Senate.

Read the rest at: http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/06/politics/al-franken-democratic-senators-resign/index.html

[Cattledog]

25. I Contacted Gillibrand and asked her if she has publicly called for Trump or C. Thomas to resign?

https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me

[Kimchijeon]

27. DONT FALL FOR IT.

Damn, how fucking stupid are these people. I have no fucking respect for anyone saying Al should resign. Either they are SJW simpleton bandwagon jumpers or intentional fascist enablers (either way they are fascist enablers)

Are we really so spineless? Fuck these liars. They openly endorse actual rapists and pedos.

Al, a comedian on a USO tour, made bawdy jokes? SO WHAT. Fuck off, the "accusations " against Al are total horseshit. Anyone with half a brain knows it.

[quickesst]

28. I wonder why...

..... these nitwits mention the backgrounds of every accuser of every accusation except for the backgrounds of the women accusing Al Franken. I will straight out refer to them as willfully ignorant cowards. I don't care who they are. If the shoe fits. Gillibrand is simply saying they are all not the same, yet they are the same. More false equivalence. I have not heard one word about tweeden's Trump voting right-wing background in the media, including Primetime MSNBC.

[Bengus81]

29. Why...this worked so FAST that Bannon and O'Keefe are lining up their next victim....

Thanks Dems,you made is sooooooo easy for us. Meanwhile back at the ranch President PUSSY GRABBER (actually on TAPE and not some allegation) and his Republican THUGS are 100% behind a asshat molester.

How many Republican WOMEN are calling for Moore to halt his campaign NOW and to step aside before his election?

“It’s my right as an entertainer.” ---100% horseSHIT

[iluvtennis]

30. Kamala Harris is my senator and I just tweeted to her NOPE...

[still_one]

58. Senator Harris is my senator also. I just called her San Francisco office to express my

disappointment in her and the six other Senators.

Actually, the person answering the phone was very receptive to my comments

Franken deserves this ethics investigation, and that conclusions are drawn based on supposed anonymous Democrats, and non-anonymous republicans and trump supporters is blatantly unfair

[iluvtennis]

87. Thank you for calling.

[still_one]

88. I have pretty accepted that he will be announcing his resignation tomorrow though. If he does,

hopefully it won't be effective until after the Senate Tax bill when it comes back from the House

[iluvtennis]

89. No offense, but I sure hope you are wrong.

[hamsterjill]

31. Democrats like her make me so mad!!!

It's like she is looking for a way to cause party division. She needs to just get off this subject and let the investigation - which FRANKEN HIMSELF has requested - be completed.

[DFW]

33. With the evidence and convenient timing, I just don't but it. Franken should stay.

Democrats calling for Democrats to step down but not Republicans who are PROVEN sleaze bags?

What's with all the self-flogging? This is not some medieval parade or a scene out of the Da Vinci Code.

[MFM008]

34. One a week

Now an alleged "democrat".
Until they get what they want.
Frankens resignation.
Because it will give us " moral superiority"
Over republicans.
Democratic women in senate support this bullshit.
The problem is republicans DONT CARE about honor
Or morals....
They care about WINNING.
So we sit around feeling self righteous
And THEY make the laws that ruin our lives.
Perfect plan.

[CatMor]

35. He should not resign....

Anonymous accusations should not be accepted. If it's true you should be willing to be identified. Wonder how these female politicians would feel if men anonymously accused them of sexual harassment.

[rock]

36. Pedophiles are OK, kissing bandits are not!

[whathehell]

37. Why won't they allow the investigation he called for to go through?

This sis bullshit, especially since the Pepub offenders seem not be going anywhere.

[LakeArenal]

38. I just don't get it..

Franken accusers are very weak on evidence. Public pictures of smiling woman standing next to Franken supposedly groping her butt. Husband standing right there. No change of facial expression....
Another accuser has much worse pics of herself grabby men and a fake situation pic of Franken not quite touching her flak vest.

Every woman Franken has worked with is standing by Franken. What the hell kind of double standard. We are supposed to believe every woman that claims abuse and not the women (substantial number of them) who know someone intimately for years.

Before you bombard me, I get that Franken may prey on one and not others. But come on... Public pic with her husband standing right there? But occasionally, even now a days, a man is innocent until proven guilty.. For me, those pictures do not represent groping.

As for his apology.. I didn't see it as a confession at all.

[Bluepinky]

40. Dont resign, Al. We need you more than ever.

This is wrong on so many levels. He has denied many of these allegations and has requested an investigation (nobody else has, that I’m aware of).

I’m disappointed that my NH Senator Maggie Hassan has asked for his resignation. But my other Senator hasn’t, Jeanne Shaheen.

Wait for the investigation to conclude. I smell something fishy and morally decrepit. What is James O’Keefe involved with these days?

[OnDoutside]

41. People need to call/email all those Senators. This isn't right or fair.

[still_one]

46. I contacted Gillibrad's office. I also contacted Al Franken's office

[OnDoutside]

48. +1000

[Owl]

42. No!

[Dream Girl]

43. She thinks she is going to be president in 2020

Setting the stage. May be a bit misguided.

[still_one]

44. Gee Senator Gillibrand, that is mighty "christian" of you to say that Senator Franken is entitled to

have the Ethics Committee investigate.

The word I have for these Democratic Senators asking for Senator Franken's resignation because of accusations by "supposed" Democratic accusers who wish to remain ANONYMOUS, and Republican and trump accusers who DO NOT wish to remain anonymous, is CONTEMPT

It is an accused person's right to have his or her case reviewed.

https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=&w=480

[OnDoutside]

50. My God, what a hypocrite.

[still_one]

59. What disturbs me is these Senators are not even waiting for the ethics committee investigation.

EVERYONE defendant deserves to be heard

[OnDoutside]

63. Exactly, no notion of due process. They're making a rod for their own backs too, in bowing to

anonymous accusers. The Republicans must be ROFL.

[ananda]

45. Oh dear!

This is SO wrong! Just wrong.

Words fail.

I wish Dems would quit turning on each other.

Franken is a good guy.

This is nothing but a rightwing hitjob.

[ananda]

49. Sen. Franken, do NOT resign!

Hold tough.

45 and so many Reeps, who are actual confirmed
sexual predators, need to resign before anybody!

Why aren't the women Dems pressuring 45 to
resign?

Why aren't they castigating every Reep who supports
Roy Moore?

Hmm????????????

[classof56]

51. So...will she welcome Roy Moore with open arms when he takes his Senate seat?

Along with Hirono, McGaskill and Hassan? Maybe they'll give Moore a big ol' group hug. They're kinda old for him but I'm sure he wouldn't turn 'em down.

(Just in case it's needed.)

Lord, these ladies make me sick. I wrote Al and encouraged him not to resign. Hope he listens to me and not his "esteemed fellow senators". JMHO.

Peace, everybody.

[OnDoutside]

52. SO, Democratic Senators want to ignore the Democratic process, and dish out their own summary

justice ? Way to go.

[bleedinglib]

53. Dear Ladies,

If you want to rid our government of sexual predators? insist on trump's resignation !!

[Bengus81]

54. Funny...when the "State Fair" woman "hand on my ass" didn't get traction......

along came the next one. That was the one with the photo SHE POSTED and the CLAIM of Franken's hand on her ass which was "never removed" when the photo CLEARLY showed that as a FUCKING LIE. ZERO traction on that obvious BS so.....

NOW....a few days later we have the “It’s my right as an entertainer" claim.

[lunamagica]

55. I'm disliking Gillibrand more and more

[dlk]

56. Is There More to Al Franken's Behavior only The Dem Women Senators Know About?

Something isn't making sense.

[Tom Rinaldo]

57. It is possible that some imsiders know more about the dimensions of this matter than we do

It is possible that some Democratic women in Congress have become privy to potential new credible accusations that we are not aware of - from women who are not politically motivated to take down Franken.That is at least plausible, as there are internal grapevines on Capital Hill that female staffers/interns/lobbyists etc. could be using to share their personal experiences off the record. If so, those women would not necessarily be anonymous to these Senators.

It is also possible that these Democratic Senators are being stampeded in a political attempt to stay ahead of the harassment issue even though the evidence against Franken revealed so far is scant at best regarding any significant wrongdoing on his part.

I refused to jump to conclusions against Franken and still do. On the other hand I have a good deal of respect for some of these Democratic Senators calling for his resignation. For now I won't jump to the conclusion that they don't have any good reasons for doing so either.

[moonseller66]

60. Certain Senators priorities seem a bit askew here

In a lengthy statement posted on Facebook, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said she was “shocked” and “disappointed” by several women’s allegations that Franken inappropriately touched them. She was joined by Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), who made their views known on Twitter.

Uh, maybe I'm wrong but isn't Gillibrand et.al. supposed to represent the views of her (their) constituents and not decide what's best in her (their) opinion without hearing from those she (they) supposedly represent?

Doing what she (they) are doing, is not so different from what the asshole in charge does, namely think he's the only one who can make a decision without full evidence and that should be enough. I'm pretty sure that's not what America is all about...or maybe she (they) are taking a page from the Republican playbook?

Gillibrand and your associates, you need to first and foremost put aside ANY possibly misconstued sexist feelings you seem to be exhibiting and see what the PEOPLE you represent feel before opening your mouth by playing judge, jury and executioner.

Or am I wrong?

[Kimchijeon]

61. Send Al your support... I did, I hope he sticks it out

But frankly this is self-destructive and just shows how weak minded and pathetic some really are. The fascists know it, and used it against us, it works! How sadly predictable.

Look, we have actual rapists and pedos with real criminal charges who are not going anywhere. They proudly say "fuck off" and stay put.

Yet, since we can't make them step down, we glady attack one of the few, best examples on OUR side over BLATANTLY BULLSHIT anonymous and fake allegations?

Why can't dems/libs/progressives have some fuckin' balls and say FUCK OFF to this obvious horseshit?

Nahhhhh we like to shuffle off and apologize for a big pile of nothing, and let the fascists rape us over repeatedly. Great job, dipshits. GREAAAT JOB.

[dlk]

62. Is There More to Al Franken's Behavior only The Dem Women Senators Know About?

Something isn't making sense. Of course, sexual harassment and groping are wrong. However, given the time-frame and degree Franken's transgressions, as well as his apology, and call for an ethics investigation, the calls for Franken's resignation appear to be out of proportion in relation to his alleged "crimes." Is there information we are missing? The fact that three of the four Dem women calling for Franken's resignation are up for re-election in 2018, might be the impetus. Have I missed their calls for Trump's resignation?

[Bengus81]

64. Hey Gillibrand,does this LOOK like Franken's hand on her ASS??

That's the claim THIS woman made and she also said "he NEVER took his hand off my ass" during the time the photo's were taken. And of course this was all done with a LINE of other people wanting a pic with Franken.

[mr_lebowski]

67. Pretty sure that was the 'hand on the boob' lady ... just sayin'

She supposedly turned into him like that to get his hand off it before the pic.

[Bengus81]

70. Your correct,hard to keep all these straight

So there's the pic with Franken's hand on her boob. Funny place for it......

[LS_Editor]

69. What. The. Fuck. Franken is cooperating with the investigation. Let it run its course.

This is why Democrats lose.

[moda253]

71. I may not be able to take much more of the democratic party

if this is what they want to spend time and energy on.

The country is being ripped apart and we are going to destroy a man that has helped to try and protect it because of allegations.... By republican accusers. Fuck these people.

[Bengus81]

73. +10000000000000000000000000000000

[pazzyanne]

72. Due process

Since when is due process not allowed in America? I am a woman who abhors violence against women, but when comparing tRump or moore allegations to the Al Franken allegations I get a little confused. I strongly believe that the ethics committee investigation needs to go forward to a conclusion. Then, if need be, a call for resignation would be appropriate. Final question: how would tRump or moore fair in an ethics investigation? I'd like to see that pursued.

[BlueIdaho]

84. Amen!

I was just going to write this. Innocence until proven guilty and due process seem to be “old” concepts in a world where trial by Social media is the new standard.

There is NO REASON for all this breathless flaming hair hand wringing. If Senator Franken is found guilty by the Senate Ethics Committee THEN they can call for his resignation.

[GoCubsGo]

75. "He's entitled to an ethics review, but he should just resign before he gets one"?????

What fucking bullshit. The only "message" you dipshits are sending is that you and your party are willing to roll over on every goddamn accusation lodged at one of your members by those on the right. Just like you usually do. Grow a fucking spine for once.

[democratisphere]

76. Off my possible Presidential candidates list.

Done!

[ollie10]

83. Gillibrand said....

....from above...."Gillibrand said that the flood of stories coming out about powerful men sexually harassing women mean it is time to start drawing lines and she simply could not exempt Franken from facing consequences."

Hey, Senator Gillibrand, have you ever stopped to consider that the guilt of other men has no bearing on whether Franken is guilty of the same thing?

If the crime was murder instead of sexual harrassment.....would she tell us about the horrible murders of several perps and would that be convincing to us that an innocent man is really guilty? Of course not!

Step back, Senator Gillibrand! There is no equivalency here. What these men have said and done has nothing whatsoever to do with whether Senator Franken is innocent or guilty.

This is Salem Witch Trial logic. Guilty until proven innocent. The crime is horrible, therefor the accused should be punished.....

Bull shit.

[Duppers]

90. 😬 F them.

Al should stay!!

[Devil Child]

96. Let the voters decide

His seat is too important to put in jeopardy while under Trump occupation.