Foster Joins House Dems; Calls On Franken, Kihuen To Step Down

NAPERVILLE, IL — In a statement Wednesday, Representative Bill Foster condemned sexual assault and sexual harassment. It includes a plea for Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) to step down. Foster is one of several Senate Democrats calling for Franken's resignation Wednesday — the same day Time Magazine awarded its "Person of the Year" distinction to the women and men behind the #MeToo campaign. It's also the same day the Atlantic published an op-ed from Franken's 8th accuser.

Franken is expected to make an announcement Thursday.

Among others calling for Franken's resignation Wednesday were Rep. Joe Crowley of New York as well as Senators Patty Murray, Mazie Hirono, Claire McCaskill and Bob Casey.

"No one should have to work in a professional environment where this kind of behavior is condoned," Foster said in his statement. "Whether it’s the disgusting and disturbing events in Alabama or the events with Senator Franken, Congressman Conyers and President Trump, any type of this behavior is unacceptable."

Foster also called for Congressman Ruben Kihuen (D-Nev.) to step down, saying it's clear the system handling sexual harassment complaints is broken. Time magazine said Tuesday that Kihuen is claiming that party leadership knew of the complaints a year ago and still supported his candidacy.

More from Rep. Foster:

"No office should use taxpayer money for settlements in these cases nor should they operate in secret. Both parties should come together and make sure that anyone who experiences sexual harassment in an office has a clear and transparent path to report the behavior without fear of professional or personal retribution."

Representative John Conyers of Michigan resigned Tuesday. Meanwhile, a recent CBS commentary noted that Alabama Judge Roy Moore's campaign is surging. Members of the House will undergo mandatory sexual harassment training annually moving forward.

Photo credit: Susan Walsh/Associated Press