'Completely unacceptable': Senators react to allegations that Al Franken kissed and and groped a TV host without consent

Shaheen told reporters she couldn't comment because she is a member of the Ethics Committee.

Kaine told reporters that the idea of an ethics investigation "has merit."

When asked whether Franken had done enough to apologize, Kaine said, "That's a hard question. The sufficiency of an apology is measured by what the person thinks of it. I'm not going to judge the sufficiency of the apology, but the behavior is unacceptable."

Murray also said she backed an ethics investigation and noted that Franken's apology was appreciated but insufficient.

"This is unacceptable behavior and extremely disappointing. I am glad Al came out and apologized, but that doesn't reverse what he's done or end the matter," she said in a statement.

"I support an ethics committee investigation into these accusations and I hope this latest example of the deep problems on this front spurs continued action to address it."

"I just heard about it. I had no idea at all. I just heard. They just told me about it. I'm sure we're going to hear a lot more about it," Manchin told reporters.

Gillibrand told reporters the allegations are "deeply concerning" and that she believes Tweeden. She said Franken's apology was not sufficient, and called for an investigation.

Not all senators appeared critical of Franken. Whitehouse told reporters, "You guys need to find something more interesting.

McCaskill tweeted that she was "shocked and concerned" by the allegations.

"The behavior described is completely unacceptable," she said. "Comedy is no excuse for inappropriate conduct, and I believe there should be an ethics investigation."

Schumer backed McConnell's call for an investigation. "Sexual harassment is never acceptable and must not be tolerated," he said in a statement.

"I hope and expect that the Ethics Committee will fully investigate this troubling incident, as they should with any credible allegation of sexual harassment."

McConnell led the way on Thursday with a call for an ethics committee to convene.

"As with all credible allegations of sexual harassment or assault, I believe the Ethics Committee should review the matter. I hope the Democratic Leader will join me on this," McConnell said in a statement. Regardless of party, harassment and assault are completely unacceptable — in the workplace or anywhere else."