In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey has announced his candidacy for the state’s Democratic primary for Senate next year, challenging Sen. Robert Menendez. This decision comes in response to Menendez and his wife’s recent indictment on corruption charges. Kim expresses his belief that New Jersey deserves better representation and emphasizes the need to restore faith in democracy.
As more Democrats join the chorus calling for Menendez’s resignation, the pressure on the three-term senator continues to mount. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania becomes the first Democratic senator to demand Menendez step down, and a number of New Jersey’s congressional members and the state’s Democratic governor echo this sentiment.
The indictment against Menendez and his wife accuses them of using his influential position to assist Egypt’s authoritarian government and to pressure federal prosecutors into dropping a case against a friend. The charges detail a series of bribes, including gold bars, a luxury car, and cash, that were given to the couple by New Jersey businessmen.
This is not the first time Menendez has faced bribery charges, nor is it the first time he has had to relinquish his leadership role on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The immediate calls for his resignation indicate that he may face significant challenges from his own party and constituents as he approaches his 2024 reelection.
In response to the indictment, Menendez remains defiant, stating that he will not step down. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer states that Menendez will have to relinquish his chairmanship due to Senate Democratic caucus rules. Meanwhile, Sen. Fetterman urges Menendez to consider an honorable exit to focus on his trial.
Several members of New Jersey’s Democratic House delegation, including Reps. Donald Norcross, Josh Gottheimer, Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Mikie Sherrill, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, also call for Menendez’s resignation. Rep. Pascrell, who has served alongside Menendez in the New Jersey delegation for nearly three decades, acknowledges the presumption of innocence but believes that the severity of the charges compromises Menendez’s ability to effectively carry out his duties.
Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey demands Menendez’s immediate resignation, expressing concern that the allegations are too serious and would hinder the senator’s ability to serve. Notably, Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Rob Menendez, Menendez’s New Jersey colleagues, do not call for his resignation, with the latter expressing unwavering confidence in his father.
During a search of Menendez’s home, investigators discovered over $100,000 worth of gold bars and over $480,000 in cash, much of it concealed in various locations. The indictment includes evidence such as photos of envelopes filled with cash bearing Menendez’s name and a luxury car that prosecutors claim was given to the couple as a bribe.
Prosecutors allege that Menendez interfered directly in criminal investigations, attempting to sway a federal prosecutor in a case involving a businessman and meddling in a separate investigation by the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. Additionally, Menendez made efforts to benefit Egypt despite concerns over its human rights record, including ghostwriting a letter to lift a hold on aid and sharing confidential information with Egyptian officials through his connections with the business community.
In response, Menendez claims there is an ongoing smear campaign against him, stating that behind-the-scenes forces have repeatedly attempted to silence him politically. His wife’s lawyer, David Schertler, denies any wrongdoing on her part and vows to vigorously contest the charges in court.
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