- In 2017, conservative talk-radio host Leeann Tweeden said Al Franken kissed her by force in 2006.
- Three weeks after Tweeden’s accusation, Franken resigned but he now regrets that decision.
- Eight different women came forward and accused Franken of unwanted sexual advances.
NEW YORK – Former United States Senator Al Franken of Minnesota was forced to resign his position in 2018 due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), was the first Democratic senator to call for Franken’s resignation. Dozens of senators after Gillibrand followed suit. Seven of these senators have since said they regret pushing for Franken to resign.
Mayor of South Bend, Indiana Pete Buttigieg has said that he would’ve liked more of an investigation on the alleged events of misconduct before demanding Franken resign. Many of his fellow Democratic candidates’ side with Buttigieg on the issue. Gillibrand is not one of those candidates.
Now Gillibrand is speaking out about the issue as it is the women senators that are being held accountable for the demise of Franken’s career.
“Let’s be clear, there is absolutely a double standard,” said Gillibrand. “Women are asked to hold accountable their colleagues; the men are not. Who is being held accountable for Al Franken’s decision to resign? Women senators, including me. It’s outrageous. It’s absurd.”
The Impact On Gillibrand’s Campaign
At the beginning of her campaign, Gillibrand was not seeing any progress in the right direction. This is often connected to her role in Franken’s resignation.
Multiple Democratic donors that are friends of Franken have not donated a dime to Gillibrand’s campaign. Gillibrand sees this act as one of intimidation to silence her from speaking further on Franken.
“I’d do it again today,” said Gillibrand. “If a few wealthy donors are angry about that, it’s on them.”
Currently, Senator Kristen Gillibrand’s odds for election stand at +10,000 odds of making it to a 2020 win. She can be seen on stage for the Second Democratic Primary Debate July 30th and July 31st at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The CNN network will be broadcasting the debates beginning at 8:00 pm ET on both nights.