MA and NH Politicians: Sen. Franken Should Resign

Al Franken

BOSTON (WBZ-AM/AP) -- Massachusetts U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey are joining a growing chorus of Democrats calling for Sen. Al Franken to resign. 

Warren said Wednesday "I think he should resign." An aide said Warren also told Franken that privately. Markey said Wednesday that sexual harassment "is unacceptable, completely inappropriate and cannot be tolerated." The comments come as seven Democratic female senators called on Franken to step down.

"Yes, from what I know, he should resign," Congressmen Seth Moulton told told MSNBC's Meet The Press Daily.

Moulton said sexual assault isn't just an issue in Congress, but thinks they should be setting the tone for the country for how women who don't have famous bosses can come forward with these issues as well.

"I'm glad that this issue is coming up, that we're finally bringing some light to what's been a rampant problem," he said. "We all need to address it, and Congress should be leading the way. Clearly, we're not doing that."

Moulton is also calling on other Democratic leaders including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to step aside, saying Pelosi did not respect the women who accused Rep. John Conyers of sexual assault.

Though many of Sen. Franken's colleagues in Washington have criticized him, they have stopped short of seeking his resignation.

On Wednesday Senators Ed Markey of Massachsetts and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire called for the Minnesota senator to step down.

"I join my colleagues in calling for Senator Franken to step aside and resign. Sexual harassment is unacceptable, completely inappropriate and cannot be tolerated," Markey said in a tweet.

"We must support a culture in our workplaces and our entire nation where individuals can come forward, without judgment or reprisal, if they have been subject to inappropriate behavior," he said.

Hassan also expressed a need for a culture change when it comes to sexual harassment through a tweet.

"It is clear that Al Franken has engaged in a pattern of egregious and unacceptable behavior toward women. He should resign. We are experiencing a change in our culture that is long overdue, and we must continue working to empower all women and do everything we can to prevent sexual harassment, misconduct, and assault," she said. 

The Associated Press Contributed to this report.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports


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