Sources: Minnesota governor picks Lt. Gov. Smith to replace Franken

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's governor has chosen Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to fill Sen. Al Franken's seat until the November election, and she will run in that election to complete the final two years of Franken's term, a Democratic operative told The Associated Press today.

The operative spoke on condition of anonymity because the person wasn't authorized to speak ahead of the official announcement by Gov. Mark Dayton scheduled for 10 a.m. A senior Democratic Senate aide in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity for the same reason, confirmed Smith was Dayton's pick.

Minnesota Public Radio and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, citing Democratic officials they did not name, also reported Smith would be appointed.

Smith's appointment was widely expected soon after Franken, under pressure over allegations of sexual misconduct, announced last week that he would step down.

Smith served as Dayton's trusted chief of staff for three years before ascending to become his No. 2, and was once considered a likely candidate to succeed him.