Sen. Al Franken’s empty seat could be filled by lieutenant governor Tina Smith, according to three sources familiar with Minnesota’s Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s reasonings, as reported by Politico.
According to the sources, the reason that might happen is because Smith would not contest in the 2018 special election that would let her stay until Franken’s term ends in 2020.
Moreover, she has shown no interest in running for Congress in the past. In effect, that would clear the path for a Democratic primary in 2018.
A special primary would level the playing field for other Democrats, while also serving as an unspoken rebuke against Franken and the wave of sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Franken’s resignation also opens up a unique opportunity for the Republicans in a state that saw, in 2016, Trump lose by one point.
Aside from Smith, other Democrats named as potential contenders for the seat include high-profile candidates like DNC deputy chairman Rep. Keith Ellison, and candidate for governor Rep. Tim Walz.
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