GOP's Karin Housley Announces Bid for Franken's Seat

Republican Karin Housley has entered the race to replace Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn, according to The Hill..

Housley is a state senator from Minnesota and the first Republican to declare for the race, according to the website.

"I'm Karin Housley and I'm running for U.S. Senate," she said in a video posted on her Twitter account. "You might be asking yourself why would anyone want to go to Washington, D.C. right now and be part of that dysfunction they call Congress.

"Actually, I can't think of any place in this country more in need of someone like me right now. Being the daughter of two public school teachers, my parents taught me the value of a good, honest work ethic."

Franken, the target of sexual harassment allegations, has announced he will resign. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has picked Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to replace Franken on an interim basis.

• 4 Senators Urge Franken to Rescind His Resignation
• Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Fill Franken Seat