A fair reminder of what caused Franken's ouster

[Honeycombe8]

154. With respect, that's not accurate. It went very quickly, just a few hours. Here's the timeline.

12/6/17
........Kirsten Gillibrand calls on Al Franken to resign. "I have been shocked and disappointed to learn over the last few weeks that a colleague I am fond of personally has engaged in behavior towards women that is unacceptable. *** I believe it would be better for our country if he sent a clear message that any kind of mistreatment of women in our society isn’t acceptable by stepping aside to let someone else serve."

12/6/17
........Chuck Schumer calls on Al Franken to Resign. "Senator Franken should resign."

12/17
........In an ironic statement, Bob Menendez, under ethics investigation himself, says, "...it seems that he is coming to terms with the implications for his ability to remain in the Senate."

12/7/17
.......After the onslaught of Democratic Senators, including the leader, Chuck Schumer, Franken gives a speech announcing that he will resign in the coming weeks.

Franken in his speech denied recent allegations that he groped and made unwanted advances toward more than a half-dozen women, most of whom said the episodes took place before Franken joined the Senate.

"I know there's been a very different picture of me painted over the last few weeks, but I know who I really am," he said, adding, "I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator — nothing — has brought dishonor on this institution."

***
Franken is expected to make his resignation effective at the end of the month, according to a person familiar with his decision-making. This timetable could allow him to cast several consequential votes on the Republican tax bill, funding the government and possibly the fate of many immigrants brought to the country illegally as children.

Once Franken officially resigns, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) will pick a replacement to serve until a November 2018 special election. Another election for the seat will take place in 2020, the end of Franken's current Senate term.

The Minnesota senator suggested Thursday that his replacement would be a woman, lending credence to expectations that Dayton will name Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, State Auditor Rebecca Otto, or state Reps. Tina Liebling or Erin Murphy to the seat. Dayton, in a statement, said he has not yet chosen who will fill the vacancy.

12/13/17:
.......Gov. Dayton appoints Lt. Gov. Tina Smith as Franken replacement. http://www.startribune.com/sources-lt-gov-tina-smith-to-be-named-senator-to-replace-al-franken-on-wednesday/463904203/



https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/07/politics/al-franken-resignation-decision/index.html

https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/06/gillibrand-calls-on-franken-to-resign-282112