Minnesota Sen. Al Franken said Wednesday that he will resign from office “in a few weeks,” tamping down speculation that the Democrat would retract his resignation over sexual misconduct allegations.
“When I leave the Senate in a few weeks, I will continue trying to be an educated citizen and an advocate and an activist, but over the last eight and a half years, as I have had the privilege of serving the people of Minnesota, I have also gained a new perspective on the issues we face and the way we here in Washington make decisions,” Franken said during a speech on the Senate floor.
“Before I go, I want to spend some time sharing what I have learned in a series of speeches focusing on the challenges I came to Washington to address,” he added.
Franken announced his resignation earlier this month after several women came forward to accuse the former comedian of groping them and kissing them against their will.
Leeann Tweeden, a former model and radio show host, was the first to level allegations against Franken. Last month, she published photos showing Franken grabbing her breasts while she was asleep during a flight back from a 2006 USO tour event.
Seven more women have come forward with similar claims about Franken.
Franken announced his resignation on Dec. 7, after a majority of Democratic senators called for him to leave office. But at least two of Franken’s colleagues — West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy — expressed regret this week for calling for Franken’s ouster.
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