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Al Franken responds to report that he'll resign over harassment allegations
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) responded to a report Wednesday that he had already decided to resign in an announcement planned for Thursday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Al Franken responds to report that he'll resign over harassment allegations

Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) responded to a report from Minnesota Public Radio that he had already decided to resign Thursday over numerous allegations of sexual harassment.

What did Franken say?

Franken did not say whether he would resign or not, but only said that he has not made the decision yet.

"Senator Franken is talking with his family at this time and plans to make an announcement in D.C. tomorrow," the tweet read. "Any reports of a final decision are inaccurate."

Where did the report of his pending resignation come from?

Minnesota Public Radio said the report was confirmed by a "Democratic official" who said he had spoken to Franken's aides about the announcement. The official also claimed that they had spoken to Franken about the decision.

What are the allegations against Franken?

Numerous allegations of unwanted groping have been reported by various women since the first accuser, Leeann Tweeden, said that Franken forced himself on her and produced a picture of him jokingly groping her while she slept. Other accusers told similar stories of the senator groping them while taking photographs at various events, including a Democratic fundraiser.

Democrats demand Franken resign

On Wednesday,a cavalcade of Democrats called for his resignation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined the chorus late Wednesday, and a report from Fox News claimed that Schumer had personally called Franken and met with him and his wife to tell him to resign.

Who would replace Franken if he resigned?

If Franken resigned, the U.S. Senate seat for Minnesota would be filled by the state's governor, who happens to be a Democrat. An election would be held in 2018 for voters to determine who would fill the office for the remainder of Franken's term, which would be two years.

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