With Franken’s resignation, Smith will join Senat

FILE: Tina Smith (Photo by Mark Dayton – https://www.flickr.com/photos/governordayton/16226946962/, CC BY 2.0)

PAUL, Minn. — Al Franken’s replacement in the U.S. Senate is ready to take office.

Tina Smith is set to be sworn in during a Wednesday morning ceremony at the Capitol. Smith was Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton’s choice to take Franken’s seat.

Franken announced his plan to resign last month after a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations. His resignation was official Tuesday.

Smith is a longtime Democratic political operative who served as Dayton’s top aide before joining him on the ticket in 2014.

She also worked as a vice-president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Smith’s resignation as lieutenant governor takes effect at midnight Tuesday. She plans to run for the Senate seat in a November special election to finish Franken’s term.