Senator Al Franken Resigns While Citing The Irony That Donald Trump Remains President
In a speech on the Senate Floor this morning, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) tendered his resignation. This came after a number of Democratic Senators called on Franken to resign, following mutual accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple women. Senator Franken's decision could have rippling effects on the ongoing policy battle over tax reform.
Jack Holmes, Associate Editor at Esquire, explains the impact Senator Franken's decision could have in the Senate. Until Minnesota holds a special election next November, it is likely the Lieutenant Governor will take Senator Franken's place. When November 2018 rolls around, Minnesotans will go to the polls not only to elect Senator Franken's long-term replacement, but also to vote on Minnesota's other Senate seat currently held by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D).
Holmes also weighs in on the controversy surrounding Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. In Senator Franken's resignation speech, he cited the irony that he was resigning while Roy Moore had the full support of the Republican Party, despite being accused of child molestation.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing an extraordinary referendum on his leadership of the House after Rep. Matt Gaetz, a longtime critic, moved to launch a vote to oust him from the helm.
The office of Montana’s Republican attorney general is appealing a landmark climate change ruling that said state agencies aren't doing enough to protect 16 young plaintiffs from harm caused by global warming.
Former President Donald Trump denounced the civil fraud case over his business practices as a politically motivated “scam” as he arrived defiantly for a trial in the lawsuit, which could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.
