【Candy Apples Archives】

After weeks of murmurs on Candy Apples ArchivesCapitol Hill about Sen. Al Franken's future in politics amid allegations of sexual misconduct, several senators have made their message loud and clear— Franken must go.

Politicoreported Wednesday morning that a former congressional aide says Franken tried to forcibly kiss her after a taping of his radio show in 2006, adding to the six existing allegations against the current Minnesota senator.

Although Franken denied this new allegation, many Democratic senators took to Twitter to call for his resignation. And as with many other recent efforts to call out inappropriate male behavior, the women led the way.

As elected officials, we should be held to the highest standards—not the lowest. The allegations against Sen. Franken describe behavior that cannot be tolerated. While he’s entitled to an Ethics Committee hearing, I believe he should step aside to let someone else serve.

— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) December 6, 2017

Today, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside. I’ve struggled with this decision because he’s been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women. (thread)

— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) December 6, 2017

Al Franken should resign.

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) December 6, 2017

It is clear that Al Franken has engaged in a pattern of egregious and unacceptable behavior toward women. He should resign.

— Sen. Maggie Hassan (@SenatorHassan) December 6, 2017

I’m shocked and appalled by Senator Franken’s behavior. It’s clear to me that this has been a deeply harmful, persistent problem and a clear pattern over a long period of time.

It’s time for him to step aside.

— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) December 6, 2017

Sexual harassment and misconduct should not be allowed by anyone and should not occur anywhere. I believe the best thing for Senator Franken to do is step down.

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) December 6, 2017

I believe it is best for Senator Franken to resign.

— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) December 6, 2017

Sexual harassment is unacceptable. I believe Senator Franken should do the right thing and resign.

— Sen. Debbie Stabenow (@SenStabenow) December 6, 2017

We must commit to zero tolerance – which is where I believe we as a country and Congress should be – and that means Senator Franken should step down. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/4qrZB0mBTo

— Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (@SenatorHeitkamp) December 6, 2017

Senator Franken’s actions are disturbing, egregious, and demonstrate a pattern of serious misconduct and abuse. It is time for Senator Franken to resign from office.

— Sen. Maria Cantwell (@SenatorCantwell) December 6, 2017

It’s clear the American people don’t look lightly on these kinds of actions, no matter who they’re committed by, and the number of complaints against Senator Franken is a concern. I think resignation is the right thing for him to do.

— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) December 6, 2017

These women were joined by many of their Democratic male colleagues in the Senate in calling for Franken to step down.

I agree with my colleagues who have stepped forward today and called on Senator Franken to resign. We can’t just believe women when it’s convenient.

— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) December 6, 2017

I have listened to them. I have listened to my female colleagues, to women I work with and women in my life. And I agree the time has come for Senator Franken to step aside.

— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) December 6, 2017

Joe is calling for Senator Franken to resign. pic.twitter.com/ff5i1rnhJs

— Senator Joe Donnelly (@SenDonnelly) December 6, 2017

I join my colleagues in calling for Senator Franken to step aside and resign. Sexual harassment is unacceptable, completely inappropriate and cannot be tolerated.

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) December 6, 2017

Sexual harassment and misconduct are never acceptable. I understand Senator Franken will make an announcement tomorrow morning, and I'm confident he'll do the right thing and step aside.

— Michael F. Bennet (@SenBennetCO) December 6, 2017

Senator Franken’s behavior was wrong. He has admitted to what he did. He should resign from the Senate.

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) December 6, 2017

Although these Democratic senators have worked with Franken to craft policy since his election in 2009, they believe his female accusers and think that his alleged behavior is unacceptable.

Under pressure from his colleagues, Franken will make an announcement on Thursday.