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Liberals Are Disappointed in Franken, Call for His Resignation

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November 16, 2017

Liberals are disappointed in Democratic Sen. Al Franken (Minn.) and called for his resignation on Thursday after he was accused of sexual assault.

Radio broadcaster Leeann Tweeden posted her story on the KABC radio station's website on Thursday, alleging Franken kissed and groped her without consent. The allegations occurred in 2006 when Tweeden and Franken were performing on an USO tour for the troops in the Middle East.

Tweeden alleges Franken insisted they practice a kiss when rehearsing for a skit. Tweeden tried to say practicing the kiss wasn't necessary, but nevertheless, he persisted.

"He repeated that actors really need to rehearse everything and that we must practice the kiss," Tweeden said. "I said ‘OK’ so he would stop badgering me. We did the line leading up to the kiss and then he came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth."

There was another incident where Franken groped Tweeden when she was asleep during their trip back to the United States. A photographer took a picture of the incident.

Franken released a statement saying he remembers the skit rehearsal differently and the picture was meant to be a joke.

"I certainly don't remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leann," 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."

Liberals and supporters of the senator shared their disappointment at the news of him allegedly committing sexual assault.

https://twitter.com/cmclymer/status/931186217353441280

https://twitter.com/BillCorbett/status/931187015760068609

https://twitter.com/eugenegu/status/931184840732495872

https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/931182027264716803

The progressive public policy advocacy group MoveOn.org said the senator "should be held to the same standard as anyone in public or private life."

https://twitter.com/MoveOn/status/931200445955100673

Others believed the allegations against Franken were reason for him to resign.

https://twitter.com/chrissahardy/status/931184807803064322