Franken Says He’s Leaving Senate But Not Giving Up His Voice

** FILE ** In a Sept. 23, 2008 file photo Democratic candidate for the Minnesota Senate Al Franken makes remarks at the National Jewish Democratic Council in Washington. The Minnesota state Canvassing Board is expe... ** FILE ** In a Sept. 23, 2008 file photo Democratic candidate for the Minnesota Senate Al Franken makes remarks at the National Jewish Democratic Council in Washington. The Minnesota state Canvassing Board is expected to certify the results of the re-count of the race between Franken and Republican incumbant Norm Coleman, Monday, Jan. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson/file) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Outgoing U.S. Sen. Al Franken says he may be leaving office, but he’s not giving up his voice.

The Minnesota Democrat thanked supporters and friends in Minneapolis Thursday night as his eight years in the Senate are set to come to an end. The former “Saturday Night Live” comedian said he didn’t know what to expect when he first ran for office, “and of course, neither did Minnesotans.”

Franken thanked his wife, Franni, their family and his staff as well as Minnesota’s senior senator, Democrat Amy Klobuchar. He said he still feels like “the luckiest kid in the world.”

Franken announced his plans to resign earlier this month amid a string of sexual misconduct allegations. He’ll officially step down on Tuesday. His successor, current Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, is set to be sworn in on Wednesday.

Latest News
242
Show Comments

Notable Replies

  1. Did he exclude standing for a seat in the future ?

  2. Hopefully, there will be many opportunities and a big platform for Franken’s voice to continue to be heard. I think he’d win if he ran again and then, as the Republicans like to say, the voters will have decided.

  3. Thank you senator Franken for you service. Your fellow Democrats in the senate did not treat you fairly. This senior married woman is sorry to see you go.

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

236 more replies

Participants

Avatar for ajm Avatar for playitagainrowlf Avatar for pluckyinky Avatar for littlegirlblue Avatar for nickdanger Avatar for old_curmudgeon Avatar for cervantes Avatar for bradbennett Avatar for chelsea530 Avatar for daveyjones64 Avatar for conundrum Avatar for darcy Avatar for mrf Avatar for thunderclapnewman Avatar for tena Avatar for clauscph Avatar for tsp Avatar for tpr Avatar for bazarov Avatar for cub_calloway Avatar for carolson Avatar for johnarkansawyer Avatar for alicepaul Avatar for drcanard

Continue Discussion
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: