Former Gov. Arne Carlson says Franken should remain in Senate until legal process done

[dflprincess]

Sad when the former Republican governor stands up for Al & Senate Democrats don't. (Not that Arne has much in common with today's Republicans.)


http://www.startribune.com/former-gov-arne-carlson-says-franken-should-remain-in-senate-pending-investigation/463282063/

Former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson came to Sen. Al Franken's defense Sunday when he posted a commentary to his blog that said he is "deeply troubled by the resignation of Al Franken and the complete absence of anything resembling due process."

arlson, an independent-minded Republican who endorsed the presidential bids of Barack Obama in 2008 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, was elected governor in 1990 and served until 1999.

Carlson asserted that “Senate Democrats who asked for Franken’s resignation may have been motivated more by the politics of the Alabama Senate race than the seriousness of the allegations.”

That closely watched race, in which President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Ray Moore despite multiple allegations that he engaged in improper sexual conduct, goes to Alabama voters on Tuesday.

In his commentary, Carlson cites the surfacing of reports saying that Franken’s main accuser, Leeann Tweeden, “may have been coached by Roger Stone, a major Trump operator,” and he describes the unknown facts around the case as “very troubling.”

The ex-governor’s comments coincide with a backlash against the growing tide of a #metoo movement that has swept dozens of high-profile men out of positions of power in recent months over allegations of sexual misconduct. Those critical of the pressure for Franken to resign have been both conservatives and some liberal feminists.

[tonyt53]

1. I agree completely. Let the Senate Ethics Committee investigation run its course. Then decide.

When Roy Moore is seated in the Senate (yes, I think he wins handily, but sure hope I'm wrong) and the Senate does not immediately move to expel him, then Franken should sit tight.

[YessirAtsaFact]

2. I Wouldnt be upset if Franken

Backed out of resigning after tomorrow.

Horribly cynical of me, I know, but we are faced by a repugnant goon party cutting taxes as a prelude to an assault on social security and Medicare.

We’re dealing with a mentally suspect president to boot.

Franken can resign if Trump does, or if an ethics investigation finds any substance to the charges against him.

[pscot]

3. If Moore is elected

Al should definitely unresign, at least until hearings can be held.

[WyLoochka]

4. He hasn't resigned

He said in his speech Thursday, on the Senate floor, he would be resigning sometime in the weeks ahead.

I have called, tweeted to him and emailed yesterday and today - don't resign.

The Gillibrand thing is backfiring. She's going down, at least her favorability numbers. Let that be a lesson to anyone who spearheads a lynch mob to run someone out of the Senate on such flimsy allegations.

Every accused has the right to face the accusers and make a defense. Every accuser needs to provide proof and demonstrate honesty and credibility.

I am so glad we are not hearing the marching orders "believe every woman's story" anymore.

[suegeo]

5. Were even basic background checks done on the accusers?

How did the accusers come forward? Did they send Harris, or Heidkamp, or only Gillibrand an email? A phone call? A text message? Then one of the senators, or more, skyped with an accuser, over a secure connection, to hear the accusations?

How did that go down? How trained were the people doing the background checks, if they even happened