Two Minnesota state lawmakers to resign after sexual misconduct allegations

Two Minnesota state lawmakers are reportedly resigning after allegations of sexual misconduct.

Democratic state Sen. Dan Schoen’s resignation will be effective Dec. 15, his attorney told The Associated Press. He is facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment, including that he grabbed a woman’s buttocks during an event.

Republican state Rep. Tony Cornish, who is facing widespread allegations of sexual misconduct including from a lobbyist who said he propositioned her for sex, said Tuesday he would depart from his post by Dec. 1.

{mosads}

“These are very important first steps,” Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) said, according to the AP.

Cornish said in a statement that he is “forced to face the reality that I have made some at the Capitol feel uncomfortable, and disrespected.” 

Schoen’s lawyer said he doesn’t feel he can be “effective anymore” in his post, but he has denied wrongdoing, according to the Star Tribune.

The resignations come amid a heightened focus on allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful figures in politics, media and entertainment in recent weeks.

A woman last week accused Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) of groping and kissing her without her consent in 2006. Franken apologized for his behavior and signaled he plans to remain in his role.

Meanwhile, President Trump on Tuesday backed Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Moore, with many of the women saying they were teenagers at the time and Moore was in his 30s.