1st LD: U.S. Senator Al Franken announces resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Democratic Senator Al Franken announced on Thursday that he will resign from the U.S. Senate in coming weeks amid a string of sexual misconduct allegations.

"I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator - nothing - has brought dishonor on this institution," Franken said from the Senate floor before announcing his intention to step down.

At least eight women have accused the Minnesota Democrat of inappropriately touching them since a Los Angeles radio anchor alleged last month that Franken forcibly kissed her in 2006.

Despite his decision to quit, Franken also used his 11-minute speech to defend himself.

"Some of the allegations against me are simply not true," Franken said. "Others I remember quite differently."

Franken's announcement came after dozens of his Democratic Senate colleagues called on him to resign. Enditem