Lawmakers call on DFL Sen. Schoen to step down amid multiple harassment allegations (AUDIO)

Democratic and Republican leaders are calling for the resignation of a St. Paul Park lawmaker who is accused of sexual harassment. DFL State Senator Dan Schoen, who also works as a police officer in Cottage Grove was presented with allegations by writers at the MinnPost website. The accusations range from verbal to physical advances on several women. Schoen denies that he made “inappropriate contact with anyone.” Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk and other party leaders are calling on Schoen to “apologize, step aside and seek care to address” his actions. Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan in a statement about the allegations says “after today’s explosive allegations of sexual harassment against Democrat State Senator Dan Schoen, I am insisting that he resign from his position as a Minnesota lawmaker. Furthermore, I am calling on Minnesota Democrat Chairman, Ken Martin, to forcefully condemn this kind of behavior within the ranks of his party. Minnesota taxpayers deserve to know that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.” Shortly after Carnahan released her statement, Martin released the following statement: “These disturbing allegations make clear that no workplace, including Minnesota’s State Capitol, is immune to sexual harassment. The DFL stands strongly with the women who bravely shared their difficult stories, and all others who may have been harassed by Senator Dan Schoen. There is no room in our party for sexual harassment. The DFL calls for Senator Schoen’s immediate resignation.” Here is MNN’s Scott Peterson’s talk with DFL Chair Ken Martin: