General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSimply as speculation, if Al Franken resigned, imagine that Governor Mark Dayton appointed
Representative Keith Ellison to fill the spot, thus replacing one strong progressive voice with another progressive voice.
This exercise in speculation does not mean that I feel Al Franken should resign. At this point, the timing of the charges against Franken are far too convenient for the Trump Administration.
But if this scenario were to happen, Ellison would be a strong voice for progressive Democrats, and an excellent ally and co-worker for Bernie Sanders and other progressive Senators in the fight for social and economic justice.
Thoughts?
Edited to correct my error. Ellison is still a Representative from Minnesota.
standingtall
(2,785 posts)If Franken were to resign over this that could suppress democratic turnout of males particularly white males. We are already probably at about the floor of support we can afford to lose with that demographic. Keith Ellison's baggage will make him very vulnerable for re-election in a statewide race.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Can you explain that?
standingtall
(2,785 posts)of the allegations leveled against Franken. Of the 30% or so of white males that still votes for democrats some of them are going to be turned off from voting in the next election cycle if they feel the Senator they voted for is being railroaded.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Understanding the importance of making sure the seat remains in Democratic hands.
standingtall
(2,785 posts)And people who live in Clay County,Ky where most of the population is on medicaid should've been motivated to vote Democrat instead they voted overwhelming for republicans in the last election cycle. This Franken stuff could morph into a social wedge issue for republicans to exploit.
Denzil_DC
(7,188 posts)Maybe they'll think "There but for the grace of ..."?
Maybe they wouldn't have respect for a party that buckles so easily and throws a good man under the bus on insubstantial, suspiciously timed, evidence?
Just speculating.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Seems like an odd leap.
Denzil_DC
(7,188 posts)Nothing odd in that at all, unless you're just asking rhetorical questions.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Chasstev365
(5,191 posts)This is a rightwing hit job!
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)He has neither resigned or retired, and is running for re-election.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Apologies to DU and to Representative Ellison.
MineralMan
(146,192 posts)He did not leave that position.
Equally likely as an appointee would be my representative Betty McCollum. Perhaps more likely, since Rep. Ellison is also co-chair of the DNC. He's a busy guy.
You might want to look up Betty.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)MineralMan
(146,192 posts)Again, go look her up. Personally, I hope she continues to be my representative. I have helped her campaign since I first moved to her district. She is an outstanding member of Congress, with plenty of experience that would qualify her to be a Senator. Also, in a statewide election, she would probably be more likely to win than Ellison in this state. That's in my estimation, of course as an active DFL party member.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)one heck of a appointee. Hundred per cent Labor focused. Back up would be Tim Walz.
Orsino
(37,428 posts)guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)I am not from Minnesota.
brooklynite
(93,883 posts)...whomever was appointed would need to immediately run for re-election, with virtually no record.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)that officeholder would have a record.