Two lawmakers in the US state of Minnesota hit with sexual assault claims quit

Minnesota Democratic Senator Dan Schoen (R) and Republican Representative Representative Tony Cornish (file photo)

Two lawmakers in the US state of Minnesota have resigned from their jobs after being hit by sexual misconduct allegations, amid a widespread scandal that has engulfed many American politicians and entertainers over the past weeks.

Democratic Senator Dan Schoen and his Republican colleague Representative Tony Cornish announced their decision to resign less than two weeks after they a number of women accused them of misdeeds that ranged from groping colleagues to persistent unwanted sexual advances.

Schoen, who has allegedly grabbed a woman's buttocks at a campaign event and made unwanted advances toward others, was the first to resign. He is also accused of sending lewd photos to a female Senate employee

Denying reports that the lawmaker resigned because of his misconduct, Schoen’s attorney said he felt could no longer be effective in his role.

Within hours from Schoen’s resignation, Cornish also announced his intention to resign by December 1. The lawmaker has been the subject of an investigation into widespread sexual misconduct allegations over his eight terms in office.

The allegations made the headlines after an anonymous lobbyist said Cornish had propositioned her for sex dozens of times over the past several years and once tried to forcibly kiss her in his office. The lobbyist later on identified herself as Sarah Walker.

Cornish said he had reached an agreement with the lobbyist to apologize and resign in exchange for protection against future claims.

"I am forced to face the reality that I have made some at the Capitol feel uncomfortable and disrespected ... I sincerely apologize for my behavior," he said.

The resignations are expected to end a bitter chapter that began earlier this month, when at least six women who work in Minnesota politics leveled accusations against the two lawmakers. Both resignations will trigger special elections.

The resignations are part of several high-profile scandals that have rocked America’s political scene, engulfing politicians like Republican Senate hopeful Roy Moore and Democratic Senator Al Franken.