A spokesman later said that Ms. Gillibrand was trying to underscore that Mr. Clinton\u2019s actions, had they happened in the current era, should have compelled him to resign.<\/p>\n
Still, it was a remarkable statement from a senator who enthusiastically backed Mrs. Clinton\u2019s presidential bid last year but has been deeply involved in legislative efforts to curb sexual abuse and harassment in the military and on college campuses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Ms. Gillibrand, who has longstanding ties to the Clintons, is the highest-profile elected Democratic official to say that Mr. Clinton should have stepped down as a result of his affair.<\/p>\n
Ms. Gillibrand\u2019s remarks came during an interview for a New York Times podcast, \u201cThe New Washington,\u201d which will air on Saturday. They came hours after Senator Al Franken, Democrat of Minnesota, apologized for groping and kissing a radio host without her consent during a U.S.O. tour in 2006, two years before he was elected. Mr. Franken is now facing demands for an ethics investigation into his conduct.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very disturbing,\u201d Ms. Gillibrand said of Mr. Franken. \u201cI was very disappointed. But it\u2019s important that survivors are coming out and speaking truth to power and telling their stories.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier, she said she would give all the donations her campaign had received from Mr. Franken\u2019s political action committee to Protect Our Defenders, which helps those assaulted in the military. She also introduced the \u201cMe Too Congress Act\u201d<\/a> on Thursday to address yearslong and rampant sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill.<\/p>\n