General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSuppose Franken does resign. What happens next?
I'm disgusted at the spinelessness of almost the entire Dem Senate, who could hardly wait to get on the bandwagon. Et tu, Elizabeth? Bernie? Why? Do they seriously think the GOP can be shamed into rejecting Roy Moore or doing a damn thing about Trump? Once again, they've brought a plastic party spoon to a gunfight and are in the process of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. I want to puke.
But - let's say Franken does decide he has no choice but to take one for the team. The governor of Minnesota, a Democrat, will appoint a replacement. Maybe a deal has already been made. There's been talk of Keith Ellison but I'm beginning to think it will be someone else, someone who could win the eventual statewide election. Ellison is very popular in the 5th District (Minneapolis), but out in the boonies maybe not so much (consider that MN also sent the execrable wingnut Michelle Bachmann to the House from an adjacent district). Ellison is black and he's a Muslim, which, unfortunately, could be disadvantageous characteristics for some people Up North, especially in Colin Peterson's district. And any man would have to be provably squeaky clean, now that the Dems have set themselves up on a very high horse. So if there are no available monks (some of whom have had their own problems), the obvious choice would be a woman.
And we do have some very good female politicians. I'm thinking Dayton could appoint Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents a safe Democratic district (St. Paul) and is well-regarded. If appointed she could likely keep holding the seat in an election. I'm guessing Rove crony Norm "The Weasel" Coleman, whom Franken very narrowly defeated in '08, could be the GOP candidate, so it would have to be someone who could kick his ass.
I'd get behind McCollum for sure - she would be very good, I think - but the whole business is nauseating. Sure, the Democrats, from their vantage point on their high horse, could give the GOP a whole ration of shit about supporting a child molester once they've forced out a guy who has been accused anonymously of butt-patting and the like, but because they have no shame they won't care.
0rganism
(23,977 posts)and Roger Stone gets a nice fat paycheck
oh, and Roy Moore gets seated in the senate
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Franken seems to have an established pattern that is now coming out. His denials have been weak, at best. If republicans try to accuse innocent Democrats, their efforts will blow up in their face like the Roy Moore illegitimate baby ruse rightwingers tried to run on the Post did. Women that accuse and are lying will be exposed.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,922 posts)And he has emphatically denied the claim of the most recent one. As to the others, he has apologized. I am very distrustful of anonymous accusations, especially when there are ratfckers like James O'Toole trying to set up Democrats.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Has an account that is IDENTICAL to two earlier ones. And the latest woman appears to be a strong Democrat. How long can people keep the blinders on in regards to Franken.
0rganism
(23,977 posts)i hope you're right, but so far the majority of Sen. Franken's accusers have been pretty damn anonymous.
could be that his colleagues know more, which is why they're supporting resignation, but without any sourced comments to that effect i'm pretty sure that anonymous allegations would be expected to have a similar impact on any Democratic male officeholder.
time will tell. and maybe Roy Moore won't get elected.
Jersey Devil
(9,875 posts)If Franken resigns and the seat is open it would mean the Republicans will need one less vote to pass the tax bill (or Obamacare repeal).
Baitball Blogger
(46,771 posts)Be fair. Why is it so hard to see the dilemma you're creating for yourself.
DemocratSinceBirth
(99,716 posts)We have a 20% lead in the generic ballot among women:
That suggest some people do care.