From Al Franken with Thanks.

[LiberalLovinLug]

47. I get the impression that the Democratic Party broke his heart

I don't think he was prepared for the piling on by his fellow Ds whom he had great respect for. Their cold blooded denial of even an ethics review before publicly shaming him into resigning hurt him and I think that's the main reason he is hesitant to even attempt to re-start any process involving going back to the D leadership with cap in hand, and asking if he could run under their banner again.

Until Gillibrand and others publicly admit they made a hasty mistake, and apologize to him I don't think he will ever run again as a Democrat. And I don't see any indication that those responsible are humble or contrite enough to do that.

Perhaps he could run as an Independent in a district that is held by Republicans. That way he wouldn't be threatening a D seat. I think he could get a few votes even from R's and I's that might not want to vote Democratic, and are sympathetic to him. Once elected, work WITH Democrats, without an official membership, like Sanders. Maybe that would be sufficient face-saving for Gillibrand to swallow.