U.S. Democrats urge scandal-hit Franken to leave Senate

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Eleven Democratic senators, including eight female, on Wednesday called upon Senator Al Franken to resign as allegations of sexual harassment against him continue to mount.

"I believe it would be better for our country if he sent a clear message that any kind of mistreatment of women in our society isn't acceptable by stepping aside to let someone else serve," Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement.

In the wake of the calls, Franken's office announced that he will make an announcement Thursday, but it's unclear what that announcement will be.

At least six women, including one reported by Politico Wednesday, have accused Franken of inappropriately touching them.

The Senate Ethics Committee is investigating him following an account described by a radio host who alleged Franken groping and forcibly kissing her in 2006 before he became a senator.

Franken has repeatedly apologized for behavior that he said "crossed a line" for some women, but he has also disputed some of the allegations.

The calls for Franken to resign came one day after Democratic Representative John Conyers of Michigan announced that he would retire immediately.

Conyers also faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment by former employees, but he vehemently denied the accusations. Enditem