Senate Democrats call for ethics investigation into allegations against Sen. Al Franken
CLOSE
Senator Al Franken has been accused of unwanted groping and kissing by model and sportscaster Leeann Tweeden. She says Franken kissed her against her will.
USA TODAY
After Sen. Al Franken was accused of groping and kissing a woman without her consent, his fellow Senate Democrats expressed their support for an investigation into the 2006 incident.
Franken has apologized to his accuser, broadcaster Leeann Tweeden, and said he would cooperate with an investigation.
More: Al Franken apologizes after accusations he kissed and groped broadcaster Leeann Tweeden without her consent
More: Read Al Franken’s apology to broadcaster Leeann Tweeden
More: NRCC calls for Democrats to return donations from Sen. Al Franken
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has called for an ethics investigation into the allegations, something that Democrats agreed with. Here’s what they had to say.
CLOSEALLEGATIONS AGAINST U.S. SEN. AL FRANKEN
Radio host accepts Franken apology | 1:43
The Los Angeles radio anchor who accuses Democratic Senator Al Franken of forcibly kissing her during a 2006 USO tour says she accepts his apology but he could have apologized earlier. (Nov. 16)
AP
CLOSEALLEGATIONS AGAINST U.S. SEN. AL FRANKEN
Franken accused, will accept ethics probe | 1:31
Minnesota Senator Al Franken apologized Thursday after a Los Angeles radio anchor accused him of forcibly kissing her during a 2006 USO tour and of posing for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept. (Nov. 16)
AP
CLOSEALLEGATIONS AGAINST U.S. SEN. AL FRANKEN
Al Franken accused of kissing, groping | 0:53
Senator Al Franken has been accused of unwanted groping and kissing by model and sportscaster Leeann Tweeden. She says Franken kissed her against her will.
USA TODAY
CLOSEALLEGATIONS AGAINST U.S. SEN. AL FRANKEN
TV host says Al Franken ‘kissed and groped’ her in 2006 | 0:59
Leeann Tweeden made the allegations in an online post for KABC, where she works as a news anchor.
Video provided by Newsy
Newslook
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York
“Sexual harassment is never acceptable and must not be tolerated. I hope and expect that the Ethics Committee will fully investigate this troubling incident, as they should with any credible allegation of sexual harassment.â€
Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana
“I agree with Sen. McConnell that the Ethics Committee should review this matte. What Sen. Franken did is wrong and regardless of political party, sexual harassmen and sexual abuse are unacceptable.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois
“These types of actions are simply unacceptable and should be reviewed by the Ethics Committee. Women across America should be able to feel safe in their workplace, and they deserve our support when coming forward with allegations of misconduct.â€
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois
“There is never an excuse for this behavior — ever. What Sen. Franken did was wrong, and it should be referred to the Ethics Committee for review.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
“This should not have happened to Leeann Tweeden. I strongly condemn this behavior and the Senate Ethics Committee must open an investigation. This is another example of why we need to change work environments and reporting practices across the nation, including in Congress.â€
Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri
“I’m shocked and concerned. The behavior described is completely unacceptable. Comedy is no excuse for inappropriate conduct, and I believe there should be an ethics investigation.”
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington
 “The allegations are serious, we need to take them seriously and I support an ethics investigation.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
“The behavior reported today is unacceptable and deeply disappointing. I am glad Sen. Franken as acknowledged as much and has agreed to cooperate with an ethics investigation. Women who come forward are brave and deserve to be respected. We’re not going to fix the problems of sexual harassment and assault until men take responsibility for their actions and change their behavior.”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island
“Allegations of sexual assault or harassment by any member of Congress, like those against Senator Franken, must be taken seriously and investigated fully by the Ethics Committee.”
Others who have also expressed their support for investigations: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
Posted!
1 of 26
2 of 26
3 of 26
4 of 26
5 of 26
6 of 26
7 of 26
8 of 26
9 of 26
10 of 26
11 of 26
12 of 26
13 of 26
14 of 26
15 of 26
16 of 26
17 of 26
18 of 26
19 of 26
20 of 26
21 of 26
22 of 26
23 of 26
24 of 26
25 of 26
26 of 26
Â
