Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on Wednesday appointed Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to the U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Al Franken, who announced last week that he would step down in the aftermath of multiple sexual-harassment allegations. “First and foremost, I want to appoint the person who I believe will best represent the people of Minnesota in the United States Senate,” Dayton said at a news conference. Smith, he said, “will be a senator of whom all Minnesotans can be proud.” Smith called it a “great honor.” She said, “Though I never anticipated this moment, I am resolved to do everything I can to move Minnesota forward.” Smith added, “I will be a fierce advocate in the U.S. Senate for equity and fairness.”
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