Texas Democrats Will Keep Money Raised at Event Headlined by Al Franken

Texas Democrats said Thursday that they won't give back campaign money generated from a fundraiser headlined by disgraced Sen. Al Franken.Franken, D-Minn., announced Thursday he plans to resign after several women came forward with accusations that he inappropriately groped or touched them. You can watch a video of Al Franken's farewell address to the Senate here.For weeks now various Democratic groups and candidates have been giving back money received from Franken or his political PAC.But the Texas Democratic Party has pointed out that the tens of thousands of dollars raised during the September Franken fundraiser in Austin came from donors, not Franken himself.Franken had been popular on the Democratic Party fundraising circuit until the sexual misconduct allegations arose."No, we don't intend to do so," said Texas Democratic Party Deputy Executive Director Manny Garcia, when asked whether the party would return or donate the money raised with the help of Franken to charity. "All funds will be used to insure we do our best to ensure that all Texans have to chance to get ahead."Franken was the keynote speaker at a Sept. 23 event at the Belmont in downtown Austin.Over 200 attended that fundraiser, where tickets were priced from $25 to $1,000. The $1,000 ticket got an attendee into a VIP reception and the chance to take a picture with Franken.Among other things, Franken has been accused of groping the backsides of women during photo opportunities.  Continue reading...