Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., announced on the Senate floor two weeks ago that he would leave his post after a tide of Senate Democrats, including Leahy, called on him to step down because of allegations of sexual harassment by multiple women.
Leahy said Monday that he believes the allegations should have been investigated by a Senate panel.
“I have stood for due process throughout my years as a prosecutor and in chairing the Judiciary Committee. I regret not doing that this time,” Leahy said in a statement released by a spokesperson.
“The Ethics Committee should have been allowed to investigate and make its recommendation,” he continued.
Politico reported Monday that Leahy had privately told Franken he regretted his position. According to the report, at least four senators have urged Franken to reconsider stepping down.
Leahy did not say whether he feels Franken should reconsider his planned resignation. A Leahy spokesperson said he would not comment beyond his statement.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, a Democrat, has been named to replace him in the Senate.
In calling for Franken to step down, Leahy said earlier this month he felt Franken’s situation “has become untenable” and was “concerned that even a prompt Ethics Committee investigation and recommendations will not come soon enough.”
