Politico: Female Lt Gov Expected to Replace Franken

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is expected to be appointed to the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Al Franken if Franken resigns as expected Thursday.

Politico reported the news Wednesday night, citing three people familiar with Gov. Mark Dayton's thinking.

Part of the reason for picking Smith, according to the sources, is she has indicated in the past she has no interest in running for a D.C. office, and would therefore create an open Democratic primary in 2018, which would be held to fill the final two years of Franken's term ending in 2020.

Franken is under growing pressure from his fellow Democrats to resign following multiple accusations of sexual harassment. He has denied purposely making anyone uncomfortable.

Minnesota Public Radio on Wednesday reported Franken plans to resign Thursday when he has scheduled an announcement. Franken's office say the report is inaccurate and no final decision has been made.

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