MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Al Franken says his family is supporting him as he faces sexual misconduct allegations.

The Democrat spoke with a handful of Minnesota media outlets on Sunday. The interviews are his first since four women accused him of sexual misconduct.

Franken says he spent the holiday week at his daughter's home in Washington with his wife, Franni, and their grandchildren. Franken says his wife has been his rock and he's grateful his family members love him "unconditionally."

Franken says he plans to return to work Monday and hopes to slowly regain voters' trust. He says he'll ask tough questions about proposed tax legislation that he believes "would affect Minnesota and the rest of the country in a terrible way."

Franken says he's trying to handle sexual misconduct allegations "in a way that adds to an important conversation."

The Democrat told Minnesota Public Radio on Sunday that he's fully cooperating with a Senate ethics investigation after four women accused him of sexual misconduct.

Franken sidestepped questions about whether the allegations would make him less effective in the Senate or become a distraction for key Democratic issues. Franken said only that "this will take some time" and that he's trying to "handle this in a way that adds to an important conversation." He says his goal also is "to be a better public servant and a better man."

Three women allege Franken grabbed their buttocks during campaign photo ops years ago. Franken says he doesn't remember the specific incidents but says he'd never intentionally grope anyone.

 

 

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