Sen. Bob Menendez Says He Won't Seek Reelection As A Democrat
HuffPost
The disgraced Democrat, who is facing more than a dozen charges over an alleged yearslong bribery scheme, may still run as an independent.
Sen. Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat facing more than a dozen charges over an alleged years-long corruption scheme, announced Thursday he will not seek reelection in November but may still run as an independent.
“I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,” Menendez said in a 10-minute video. “I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election.”
“I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I’m facing,” he continued. “Believe me, I am disappointed at the false accusations as well. All I can ask of you is to withdraw judgment until justice takes place.”
His announcement comes a few months ahead of the state’s primary on June 4. By then, Menendez is expected be in the middle of a seven-week criminal trial on charges he “provided sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt” in exchange for lavish gifts, including cash, gold bars and designer watches, according to last year’s indictment.
Prosecutors added more obstruction of justice charges to the case last month, accusing Menendez and his wife of accepting expensive gifts in exchange for helping three businessmen secure projects with foreign governments.
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