Sen. Al Franken focused on policy issues in his first public appearance in Minnesota since announcing his plans to resign from the Senate over allegations of sexual misconduct.
"I may be leaving the Senate, but I'm not giving up my voice," he said to an audience in Minneapolis on Thursday, according to NBC News.
"We still have a lot of work to do together on issues ranging from net neutrality to climate change. We still have to be ready to speak out for economic justice and to defend the truth," he added.
The senator thanked his supporters, staff, and family during the speech, and began to choke up when thanking his wife, NBC reported.
Franken praised Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, who will be his replacement in the Senate, saying she is "worthy of the incredible support that I've received."
"Serving the people of Minnesota in the U.S. Senate has been the honor of my life. I am here tonight to say, 'Thank you,'" he said.
Fifty percent of voters in Minnesota are against Franken resigning from the Senate, according to a Public Policy Polling survey.
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