The Latest: McConnell asks again for Franken ethics inquiry

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Latest on allegations of sexual harassment against Minnesota Sen. Al Franken (all times local):

9:30 a.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is renewing his call for the chamber’s ethics committee to investigate Sen. Al Franken after a second woman came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment.

Lindsay Menz told CNN that the Minnesota Democrat grabbed her bottom as the pair posed for a photo at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010. Menz’s allegation comes days after a Los Angeles broadcaster accused Franken of forcibly kissing her during a 2006 USO tour.

Her claim could be more troublesome for Franken because the alleged behaviour would have occurred after he joined the Senate. The behaviour that Leeann Tweeden alleges took place preceded his election.

Franken told CNN he doesn’t remember taking the photo with Menz, but that he feels badly that she felt disrespected. His office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

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8:45 a.m.

A second woman has accused Minnesota Sen. Al Franken of inappropriate touching.

Lindsay Menz tells CNN that Franken placed his hand on her bottom as they posed for a photo at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010, two years into Franken’s first term.

The 33-year-old Menz told CNN that the interaction made her feel “gross.” She says she immediately told her husband that Franken had “grabbed” her bottom.

Franken told CNN he didn’t remember taking the photo with Menz, but that he feels badly that she felt disrespected.

Los Angeles broadcaster Leeann Tweeden accused Franken last week of forcibly kissing her during a USO tour in 2006, before he was elected to the U.S. Senate.

Franken’s office has not responded to Associated Press messages seeking comment Monday.