CNN reported this past weekend that New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez is refusing to say whether he will step down despite facing multiple criminal charges.
However, one member of Menendez’s own party has said that the senator’s resignation can’t come fast enough.
Menendez and wife indicted following FBI raid
The Department of Justice indicted Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, as well as co-defendants Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe on bribery and corruption charges this past September.
Federal authorities say that FBI agents found nearly $480,000 in cash and $100,000 worth of gold bars while executing a raid on Menendez’s home.
“The FBI has made investigating public corruption a top priority since our founding — nothing has changed,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said in a press release.
“The alleged conduct in this conspiracy damages the public’s faith in our system of government and brings undue scorn to the honest and dedicated public servants who carry out their duties on a daily basis,” Smith added.
“I am looking forward to proving my innocence”
“To those inclined to use the status of their public office for personal benefit, or those willing to provide bribes in an attempt to gain influence from a public official, the FBI will ensure that you face the consequences in the criminal justice system for your underhanded dealings,” the official went on to conclude.
Menendez discussed his upcoming trial with CNN Manu Raju last week, saying, “I am looking forward to proving my innocence.”
Meanwhile, Fox News reported in March that Menendez may run for reelection as an independent should his trial end in an acquittal.
Such a move likely won’t go over well with Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who has slammed Menendez as a “sleazeball.”
Fetterman says Menendez has “gotta go”
According to Mediaite, Fetterman expressed that view in March during a Capitol Hill interview with Manu Raju earlier this year.
Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) to CNN’s @mkraju on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ):
“He’s got to go … And that arrogance, where he’s now saying, ‘I’m not going anywhere’ — it’s like, my dude, you are going somewhere. It’s going to be an election or it’s going to be a conviction.” pic.twitter.com/Eo6YmYsjzP
— The Recount (@therecount) September 28, 2023
“He’s gotta go,” the Pennsylvania Democrat insisted. “And this arrogance…where he’s now saying, ‘I’m not going anywhere.’
“It’s like, my dude, you are going somewhere. It’s going to be an election or it’s going to be a conviction,” Fetterman went on to insist.
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Author: Adam Peters
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