Washington democrats are now faced with a political conundrum dripping with racial irony.
In the wake of longtime Michigan democratic Congressman John Conyers decison to step down from office after being accused of sexual harassment by former staff members in his office, many are wondering: “Why not democratic U.S. Senator Al Franken too?”
Like former African-American Congressman Conyers, Sen. Franken (who is white) has come under public heat for alleged sexual harassment before — and after — being elected to the senate in 2008. But this seems to have not been enough pressure to push Franken out of office in the fashion the 88-year old Conyers was shown the door. The allegations against Sen. Franken were made nearly a week before Congressman Conyers was accused.
Sen. Franken has perfusely apologized for his actions and has displayed remorse. Still, the allegations are serious.
Stark racial differences arise among many black democrats who are surely saying that “If Conyers has to be pushed out of public over allegations of sexual wrong doings, then so must Franken.”
Congressman Conyers served under Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. before being elected to congress 1964. Frankel is famous for his stint on Saturday Night Live.
On Tuesday several members called on Franken to step down, including female senators Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Patty Murray, D-Wash and Kamala Harris D-Calif. They are right to do so because race becomes an issue for the party if he does not resign. The disparity of treatment could result in a split between the party and African-American who are overwhelmingly loyal to the democrats.
For this reason, Franken has to step down, allegations of wrongdoing notwithstanding. The perception that a white democrat is being treated in a disproportionate fashion than an African-American in congress is politically and morally untenable.
Senator Franken has scheduled a press conference for Thursday. Lets hope he does the right thing based on the credible allegations as well for a sense of racial fairness within the democratic party.