Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D., N.Y), who has been floated as a potential 2020 presidential candidate, is facing backlash from prominent female Democratic donors in Los Angeles after she called for then-Sen. Al Franken's (D., Minn.) resignation over allegations of sexual misconduct back in December.
New York Magazine reporter Yashar Ali on Monday night said he spoke with several prominent L.A. Democratic donors, and they told him they would not be supporting her candidacy after she publicly addressed the allegations against Franken, calling for him to resign.
"I've spoken to several prominent women Dem donors in Los Angeles who have told me that they will not support @SenGillibrand anymore after she addressed allegations against Al Franken," Ali said. "One, who has raised and donated millions to Dems, told me 'she shouldn't even bother to call.'"
I've spoken to several prominent women Dem donors in Los Angeles who have told me that they will not support @SenGillibrand anymore after she addressed allegations against Al Franken. One, who has raised and donated millions to Dems, told me "she shouldn't even bother to call."
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) February 26, 2018
Los Angeles radio host and model Leeann Tweeden alleged in November that while serving on a 2006 USO tour with the then-comedian, Franken forcibly kissed her and groped her breasts while she was sleeping. Following the initial accusation, seven other women came forward alleging Franken had touched or kissed them without their consent.
Franken formally resigned from office in early January.
Gillibrand, a longtime friend of the Clintons, has also received backlash for saying back in November that former President Bill Clinton should have resigned from office over the affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky in the 1990's.