Sen. Claire McCaskill Calls For Franken Ethics Investigation

With Republicans caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to Alabama Senate Candidate Roy Moore — who has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women, one as young as 14 years old — Democrats today found themselves caught up in their own scandal. Minnesota Democratic Senator Al Franken has been accused of aggressively kissing and groping sports commentator Leeann Tweeden while the two traveled together on a USO tour in 2006.

Franken apologized. "I respect women. I don't respect men who don't. And the fact that my own actions have given people a good reason to doubt that makes me feel ashamed," he said in a statement.

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill joined a chorus of Republicans and Democrats — including Franken himself — who have called for an investigation.

“I’m shocked and concerned," McCaskill said. "The behavior described is completely unacceptable. Comedy is no excuse for inappropriate conduct, and I believe there should be an ethics investigation.”

An ethics investigation could lead to Franken's removal from the Senate, but a two-thirds majority would be required to kick him out. Franken is up for reelection in 2020.

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