Minnesota Governor Names Replacement for Al Franken

According to Reuters, Democratic Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has announced that Tina Smith, the state’s Lieutenant Governor and former VP of Planned Parenthood in Minnesota, will replace outgoing senator Al Franken. Following the appointment, the 59-year-old Smith will run in a special election for the seat next year. In a statement, Dayton said of Smith, "She has impeccable integrity and the highest personal and professional standards.