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Baldwin Backs Ethics Investigation Of Franken

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin Says She Will Return Campaign Contributions From Minnesota Sen. Al Franken Following Sexual Assault Allegations

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Sen. Al Franken
Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., is seen during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Paul Sancya/AP Photo

Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin says she’s glad the Senate’s Ethics Committee will investigate sexual harassment charges against Minnesota U.S. Sen. Al Franken.

Franken apologized Thursday following allegations he forcibly kissed a woman in 2006 and posed for a photo with his hands on her breasts as she slept.

“This type of behavior isn’t acceptable whether it’s from a Democrat or a Republican or an Independent,” Baldwin told MSNBC. “I am glad that it is going to the Ethics Committee in the Senate for an investigation.”

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Shortly after the Franken news became public, Republicans called on Democrats to return donations from the Minnesota senator’s political action committee.

Baldwin quickly announced that she would donate Franken’s contributions.

“I will say for my part, I will be donating campaign contributions from Sen. Franken to a women’s veteran initiative in the state of Wisconsin,” Baldwin said.

Democratic congressional candidate Randy Bryce, who’s challenging Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, told the Associated Press that he’s also donating the $1,500 he got from Franken to local charities.