Menendez corruption case puts other Democrats at legal risk, sidelines senator for trial

The Washington Times ^ | 09/04/2017 | Seth McLaughlin

[ForYourChildren]

As Sen. Robert Menendez prepares to face corruption charges, Republicans are confident and Democrats fearful that the taint of a weekslong trial will snare other prominent Democrats in New Jersey and Washington.

The trial kicks off Wednesday in New Jersey, where the 11-year incumbent senator is accused of using his office to try to assist and protect a longtime friend, Dr. Salomon Melgen, in disputes with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

One high-profile Democrat already has been caught in the backwash. Former Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, who retired last year, was fingered as trying to help Mr. Menendez in his efforts to derail a federal probe of Melgen.

“Who knows who else will be implicated, but it’s clear now that the corruption extended beyond Menendez’s office,” said Michael Ahrens, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee. “It’s just as stunning that no Senate Democrat has said Menendez should resign immediately if convicted.”

{..snip..}

[leprechaun9]

And Christie could have named a Conservative (R or D) who would have filled the unexpired term as well as the subsequent six year full term!

However, since Christie preferred to call a special election to name a replacement and name an interim Republican (who was an unknown to the average Republican Voter), Christie gave the NJ US Senate seat to Cory Booker, where he still keeps the seat warm.

All this was probably to address Christie's concern on the appointment having a negative impact on his own reelection!

[SMGFan]

at the time I think he thought a shared November election with Booker could hurt his margin of victory and his dreams of 2016? NJ has no runoffs but Christie caused counties & the state to waste money on the weird election months.

[Rumplemeyer]

BTT

[joma89]

Even if he is convicted and sentenced, he will probably keep his pension for life and live off the hard paying taxpayer.

JoMa