Disgraced ex-politician, comedian Al Franken raising funds for Democrat Josh Riley

No joke.

Previous US senator from Minnesota and SNL comedian Al Franken — who resigned from place of work in 2017 right after various ladies accused him of sexual misconduct — is making an attempt to assist an ex-top staffer get elected to Congress in New York.

Franken is sending numerous fundraising pitches to boost Josh Riley — who served as Franken’s typical counsel — in a most likely rematch in opposition to initially-time period incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro in the 19th congressional district that usually takes in the mid-Hudson Valley and Southern Tier.

Democrats on fundraising lists have been hit with 16 e-letters from Franken since Could by way of many teams backing Riley — together with a single missive Sunday.

“Here’s why I guidance Josh — and why you must way too!” Franken writes.

“Josh appreciates policy concerns backward and forward. Together Josh and I did great stuff when he was my counsel on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee – superior things like protecting victims of domestic violence,” boasting he and Riley tucked a provision in the Violence Towards Females Act “that secured survivors of domestic violence from homelessness.”

Franken urges supporters to break up $10 — or no matter what they can give — in between Voter Protection Challenge and “my close friend Josh Riley to help him acquire just one of the most critical races in the place in 2024.”

In advance of his Senate resignation, one of the girls who accused Franken of wrongdoing was a former radio host and Playboy model Leeann Tweeden, who claimed he forced an undesirable kiss through rehearsal for a skit on a USO tour — and pretended to grab her breasts for the duration of a picture shoot while she slept.

A person of the women who accused Franken of wrongdoing was previous radio host and Playboy product, Leeann Tweeden.

She claimed Franken had pressured an undesired kiss through rehearsal for a skit during a USO tour and he pretended to get her breasts during a photo shoot while she slept.

Franken, 72, apologized for his creepy behavior in the damaging photo, indicating he was attempting to be funny. But he denied abusing any ladies and has due to the fact explained he regretted resigning.

New York’s two Democrat senators — Vast majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand — were among the the most forceful in contacting for his resignation.

Molinaro and other Republicans had a area working day soon after listening to of Franken’s role as a money man in Riley’s campaign.

“It’s curious that Josh Riley would elevate revenue with a disgraced former senator whose have get together – led by NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – forced him to resign. His condescending campaign is reminding voters that he’s a DC lawyer and Washington insider,” reported Molinaro marketing campaign adviser David Catalfamo.

And point out Republican Celebration chairman Ed Cox mentioned “Al Franken experienced to resign from the Senate mainly because of his abuse of women.”

Riley, when mentioning functioning for Franken in his campaign bio, does not checklist his former manager as 1 of his backers — a choice that Cox mocked.

“Franken is an humiliation. He doesn’t want Franken obvious but his income is conveniently recognized,” Cox explained.

The Riley marketing campaign declined to remark. Franken experienced no immediate comment.

“Franken is an embarrassment. He does not want Franken noticeable but his funds is quickly approved,” he claimed.

Molinaro defeated Riley final year by about 2 percentage factors.

Franken at this time hosts the  Al Franken Podcast and has his personal political motion committee, Midwest Values PAC, that backs Democrats and supports a “host of other superior, non-political points,” in accordance to his internet site.