Earlier this week, we published a scorecard of where Republican senators stood on the allegations against Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. With the #MeToo campaign hitting the other side of the aisle in the upper chamber—Al Franken has been accused by news anchor Leeann Tweeden of groping and kissing her without her consent on a 2006 USO Tour—we are now tracking Democratic senators’ responses to the revelations. Franken quickly apologized, but claimed “I don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit as Leeann does,” and tried to tout his respect for women.
Re: Al Franken – Treating all women with dignity is of paramount importance. These actions are disturbing. I support an ethics committee investigation into this matter. Tammy Duckworth
Senator Franken’s 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 Dick Durbin
“There is never an excuse for this behavior—ever. What Senator Franken did was wrong, and it should be referred to the Ethics Committee for review.” Kirsten Gillibrand
The allegations against Sen. Franken are deeply concerning. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and should not be tolerated anywhere in our society. There is nothing funny about it and there is no excuse for it. The Ethics Committee deserves answers from him. Kamala Harris
“Sexual harassment and misconduct should not be allowed by anyone and it should not occur anywhere. This story is extremely troubling and the behavior is unacceptable. I will support an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee.” Maggie Hassan
“The conduct described here is completely unacceptable and must be taken extremely seriously. Actions like that weren’t funny then and they aren’t funny now. I fully support an ethics committee investigation.” Martin Heinrich
“I am deeply troubled by the allegations against Senator Franken and I believe there should be an ethics Investigation into the matter. Sexual harassment is not a joke and must always be taken seriously. Mazie Hirono
“An ethics investigation is the appropriate course.” Amy Klobuchar
Here’s my statement I issued on the need for an ethics investigation regarding Senator Franken: “This should not have happened to Leeann Tweeden. I strongly condemn this behavior and the Senate Ethics Committee must open and conduct a thorough investigation. This is another example of why we need to change work environments and reporting practices across the nation, including in Congress.” Catherine Cortez Masto
This is deeply disappointing and this type of behavior is unacceptable. I support the Ethics Committee process and investigation into this inappropriate conduct. I expect to hear more from Sen. Franken. Ed Markey
Sexual harassment is intolerable, unacceptable and without excuse. We need the Ethics Committee to investigate this incident about Senator Al Franken fully. Claire McCaskill
“Re Al Franken: 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.” Patty Murray
This is unacceptable behavior and extremely disappointing. I am glad Al came out and apologized, but that doesn’t reverse what he’s done or end the matter. … I support an ethics committee investigation into these accusations and I hope this latest example of the deep problems on this front spurs continued action to address it. Chuck Schumer
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.
“The allegations against Senator Franken are serious and unacceptable. There should be an ethics investigation.”
“Sexual harassment, misconduct and assault is never all right, and cannot be tolerated. The behavior described is deeply troubling, and I am glad to see that Senator Franken will cooperate with an Ethics Committee investigation.”
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.
The allegations against Sen. Franken are serious. Harassment in any setting is clearly unacceptable. The Ethics Committee should investigate this matter.
