Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., could be in for an awkward weekend.
Fresh off today’s allegations that Sen. Al Franken forced himself on a model in 2006, the Minnesota Democrat is slated to headline a fundraiser for Nelson’s 2018 re-election campaign on Saturday. The Tampa Bay Times reported last month that Nelson’s reception is set for the afternoon of Nov. 18 at the Thonotosassa home of Alex Sink, a former Democratic gubernatorial candidate and state chief financial officer.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the Nelson campaign is one of 16 Democratic Senate bids to which to which Franken’s political action committee, the Midwest Values PAC, has contributed in the 2018 cycle. Along with several other upper chamber incumbents in tough races, Nelson received $10,000 from the PAC.
Los Angeles-based local news anchor Leeann Tweeden has accused Franken of forcing himself on her while the two rehearsed for a skit during a USO tour eleven years ago. Tweeden also published a picture of the Senator, then a comedian, groping her breasts while she slept. “I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann,” Franken said in a statement. “As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.” After calls for an ethics investigation mounted, the senator added, “I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate.” Some have demanded Franken resign in light of the accusations.
In an October statement announcing the event, Sink praised Franken, saying, “I am a big fan of Senator Franken…. In fact, I think he should consider running for President! He has been a dedicated and extremely effective Senator, and he certainly knows how to connect with people!”
Unfortunately for him, any of Franken’s presidential ambitions likely just faded quicker than cheap laughs during a stand-up set.
Now the question is whether Nelson will go through with the fundraiser.
This story has been updated to reflect that 16 candidates have received donations from Midwest Values PAC.
