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Franken, Franks resign from Congress over sexual and ethical misconduct allegations

Friday, 08 December 2017 7:53 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 08 December 2017 11:33 AM ]

Two more US lawmakers in Congress, one an ardent liberal and the other a social conservative, say they will resign over allegations of ethical and sexual misconduct amid the snowballing harassment allegations convulsing the country.

US Senator Al Franken, a Democratic from Minnesota, announced his resignation on Thursday after facing a series of sexual misconduct allegations.

Representative Trent Franks of Arizona, one of the House’s most ardent social conservatives, and Senator Al Franken of Minnesota, an ardent liberal, say they will resign amid allegations of ethical and sexual misconduct.

"Today I am announcing that in the coming weeks, I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate," Franken said on the Senate floor.

Fall of a rising star

Franken, a 66-year-old former comedian who had been seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, is facing accusations of sexual misconduct from eight women.

“I know in my heart that nothing I’ve done as a senator -- nothing -- has brought dishonor on this institution,” Franken said. “Nevertheless, today I am announcing that in the coming weeks, I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate.”

Franken also sought to contrast himself with two prominent Republicans – US President Donald Trump and Senate candidate Roy Moore from Alabama.

“I am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man that has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the oval office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the senate with the full support of his party.”

First Republican resigns

Hours later, Republican Representative Trent Franks announced his resignation after two former staff members complained that he asked them if they would be surrogate mothers.

In recent weeks, charges of sexual misconduct have taken down prominent people in the worlds of entertainment, media and politics.

Democratic Representative John Conyers, the longest-serving member of Congress, also resigned earlier this week amid sexual harassment accusations that he has denied.

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