Local and state DFLers Thursday called U.S. Sen. Al Franken’s decision to resign was a needed move, and expressed sorrow for those who alleged he sexually harassed them.

Franken announced on the Senate floor Thursday  morning that he would resign in the upcoming weeks in response to the allegations. While he said he does not recall some of the situations in which he was supposed to have harassed the women, he apologized in some cases, and flatly refused to admit any wrongdoing in another.

His announcement on Thursday sparked a number of statements from local and state DFLers.

State party chairman Ken Martin said Franken “made the right decision … He has been a tireless and strong progressive leader on behalf of Minnesotans in Washington, but that in no way excuses his behavior toward the women who came forward. His resignation today is an important part of the healing process.”

Martin added the party from this point forward would require all candidates for office in Minnesota to undergo training on sexual harassment and workplace conduct.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, a DFLer from the First District, called Franken’s decision the right one.

“Like many Minnesotans, I have been deeply disappointed by the serious allegations against Sen. Franken,” he said in a statement.

“I have served with Sen. Franken for eight years in the U.S. Congress and he has accomplished a lot of good for Minnesotans.

“But I believe the pattern of his behavior is unacceptable and his ability to continue to effectively serve Minnesotans has been irreparably compromised. For the good of Minnesotans and the American people, I believe Sen. Franken has made the right decision in stepping aside.”

Questions remain about what happens next, said Mower County DFL associate chairwoman, Penny M. Skauge.

She said while Gov. Mark Dayton is apparently pushing for Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to fill the spot, there are others who hope he chooses “someone who plans to run for the spot.” Smith has said she does not intend to run for a U.S. Senate seat.

Skauge said the name of U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, of the Fifth District and who is also deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is most often mentioned among insiders as a favorite to replace Franken.

She also said there is a danger of having Smith named to Franken’s seat. A vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s position would, by Minnesota law, require that State Senate President Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, advance to the spot.

Conceivably, that could result in a Republican advancing to the governor’s seat, should anything happen to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has had several health issues. There are also questions about whether Fischbach could serve posts in both the Senate and in the governor’s office.

She added many gubernatorial candidates have also been suggested as replacements, such as Walz. Walz and others are seeking Dayton’s job in 2018.

Skauge said Thursday was a sad day for the party, and said many in the state party did not want Franken to resign.

However, she said he did the right thing, given how the media storm would affect his effectiveness. Still, she wonders if there wasn’t a political motivation behind the accusations directed at him.

She also questioned whether his alleged wrongdoings were at the level of those directed at other legislators and celebrities.

“Yes, there was a photo; but look at the context of the skit” in which the alleged harassment took place. She was referring to an accusation leveled by Leeann Tweeden, a radio talk show host who was part of a USO troupe of which Franken was a part in 2006. She was the first to raise allegations against Franken. She later accepted his apology.

Skauge said Franken’s alleged improprieties do not compare in severity to those directed at someone like GOP U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore of Alabama, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and making advances to others in that age range.

Moore has denied all claims.

Other comments on Franken’s departure:

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar:

“ … Sen. Franken has … been a leader on issues that are fundamental to Americans’ lives, including education, privacy, healthcare and mental health. He has been a friend to me and to many in our state.

“As the women who have come forward to tell their stories across America have made clear, sexual harassment is never acceptable.  In every workplace in America, including the U.S. Senate, we must confront the challenges of harassment and misconduct.  Nothing is easy or pleasant about this, but we all must recognize that our workplace cultures—and the way we treat each other as human beings—must change.”
Gov. Mark Dayton:

“I extend my deepest regrets to the women, who have had to endure their unwanted experiences with Senator Franken. As a personal friend, my heart also goes out to Al and his family during this difficult time.”
Lt. Gov. Tina Smith:

“Sen. Franken has been a servant to the people of Minnesota, and a champion for working people during his time in the Senate. I thank him for his service.

“I also am thinking today about the many women around the country who have come forward in recent months to share their stories about sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can never be tolerated in our politics, our businesses, or anywhere else.”