senate

Tim Pawlenty: Thanks, but No Thanks to Run for Senate Seat

The GOP thought it could help flip the state

  MINNESOTA — One of the biggest Republican names in Minnesota politics isn’t interested in running for the Senate. Former Minnesota governor and presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty had considered running for the seat vacated by Al Franken. The GOP thought it could help flip the state. But appearing on Fox Business, Pawlenty says it’s too short of a campaign for…

Tina Smith Sworn into Office, State Senator Michelle Fischbach Declines Higher Salary

Republicans are anxious to keep Fischbach in the Senate to protect a narrow majority

  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Minnesota has a new senator as Lt. Governor Tina Smith gets sworn into office. The Democrat was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on the Senate floor in Washington. Just before taking the oath of office, Smith got her name plate placed outside her new office in Washington. She resigned as the state’s Lieutenant Governor…

Senator Franken’s Last Day, Former Minnesota Representative “Praying” Over Potential Bid, Longest Serving Republican Senator Retires

Another former Republican presidential contender is thinking about running for Franken's seat

NATIONAL — Sen. Al Franken has officially resigned from the Senate. The Minnesota Democrat formally resigned this afternoon. It comes nearly a month after he announced his plans to leave Congress after numerous sexual misconduct allegations in November. Franken joined the Senate in 2009 after winning a months-long recount. His departure sets the stage for Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith…

As Senator Franken Prepares to Exit, Leadership Battle Waits to Take Center Stage in Minnesota

Republican state Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn in tomorrow to replace Franken

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — This is Sen. Al Franken’s last day as a member of Congress. The Democratic Minnesota lawmaker will resign his seat officially tomorrow after numerous allegations of sexual harassment. Republican state Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn in tomorrow to replace Franken. But Fischbach plans to…

Sen. Al Franken: “I May Be Leaving the Senate, but I am Not Giving Up My Voice”

The 66-year-old senator spoke in Minneapolis to about 300 supporters, family members and friends about his time in office

  MINNEAPOLIS — As Minnesota Senator Al Franken departs on January 2nd after resigning from office amid sexual harassment allegations, he wants supporters to know he’s not resigning from the work. “Here is my promise to you,” Franken told a room of supporters. “I may be leaving the Senate, but I am not giving up my voice.” The 66-year-old senator…

Senator Franken: The Republican Tax Bill Represents a Slap in the Face

During that announcement he took a dig at the past alleged sexual harassment actions by President Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Al Franken took to the Senate floor to give his final speech before his resignation takes effect in January. He talked about his years in the Senate debating the issues, the arguments and serious votes. Franken said “Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.” He announced earlier this month that he would resign in the…

Some Lawmakers Asking Franken to Reconsider Resigning from Senate

Congressman Peterson said he would have preferred that the Ethics Committee looked into the matter and released a report

  WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Collin Peterson is joining the chorus of people suggesting that Sen. Al Franken acted too quickly when he announced his plans to resign. Franken announced that he plans to leave the Senate after several Democratic colleagues urged him to step down amid accusations of inappropriately touching women. Since then, some of those senators have asked…

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Take Over Franken’s Seat Early January

A specific date for Franken to step down has not been set

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Senator Al Franken says he expects his replacement, Democratic Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, to take over his seat in early January. Governor Mark Dayton appointed Smith to take his place until a special election to complete the final two years of Franken’s term. Last week, Franken said he would resign “in coming weeks” following…

Just In: Democrat Doug Jones Defeats Republican Roy Moore in Alabama Senate Race

The fight was intense from the beginning, with a heavy shadow cast over Moore's campaign

  ALABAMA — Democrat Doug Jones has defeated Republican Roy Moore in Alabama’s Senate election, making Jones the first Democrat elected by the state to the Senate in 25 years. The fight was intense from the beginning, with a heavy shadow cast over Moore’s campaign. Moore is accused of having romantic relationships with teen girls when he was in his…

Decision on Al Franken’s Vacant Senate Seat to Come Wednesday

That is when Gov. Mark Dayton will announce his pick to serve in the Senate through next year's election

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — We will know who is taking Senator Al Franken’s seat tomorrow. That is when Gov. Mark Dayton will announce his pick to serve in the Senate through next year’s election. Voters will pick a candidate in 2018 to finish Franken’s current term ending in 2020. Franken announced his resignation last week amid a growing cloud…