After Gillibrand’s announcement Tuesday that she will seek the presidency, many former constituents of Al Franken have expressed their lingering anger toward her on his behalf. This warrants a few reminders:

• Franken resigned from the Senate of his own accord, without an investigation, at the request of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

• Gillibrand was joined by a swath of other progressive leaders in calling for Franken’s resignation. The group includes other announced and likely presidential candidates, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and even Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

• Gillibrand has been consistent in her efforts to root out sexual harassment in the workplace, whether that’s her support for the #MeToo movement, introduction of legislation supporting military service members who have been sexually harassed, or even remarks that, in retrospect, Bill Clinton (a hero of her own party) should have resigned in the wake of his own indiscretions. To suggest that her demand that Franken be held accountable for his actions was an isolated or opportunistic move is to ignore her record.

Gillibrand may or may not be the right candidate to lead the Democratic Party in 2020. Either way, Minnesotan progressives owe her an open mind and opportunity to articulate her vision for our country without Franken’s specter lingering over her.