Sen. Bob Menendez's (D-NJ) financial scandal is putting a spotlight on corruption throughout the Democratic Party.
The scrutiny comes after Menendez was charged on three counts of conspiracy over allegations of sharing information with Egypt in exchange for money and gold.
Bob Menendez Money Spoils Entire Democrat Party: Corrupt Senator Spreads Dirty Cash Everywhere https://t.co/7kz1XhpZLT
— deborah green (@NewaiGreen) September 27, 2023
“We are in process of returning the money in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills,” Joe Calvello, a spokesperson for Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), Breitbart News reported. Menendez gave Fetterman $5,000 towards his Senate campaign.
"Fetterman is just one Democrat Senator who received political donations from Menendez’s PAC," according to the report. Nine other Democrats were noted.
Senator Menendez is entitled to the usual presumption of innocence in his impending criminal trial, but it’d be presumptuous of him to remain a U.S. Senator. His shameful conduct has long since forfeited that privilege https://t.co/U3BziNdFfv
— Laurence Tribe 🇺🇦 ⚖️ (@tribelaw) September 26, 2023
"New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s decision on Tuesday to call for Menendez’s resignation, after days of silence on the matter, was a uniquely damaging political blow to the state’s senior senator, who is now faced with a thinning list of allies in Washington, DC, and his home state, where local leaders are lining up against him," CNN reported.
"Booker, who said he found the allegations against Menendez 'hard to reconcile with the person I know,' instantly became the most prominent Senate Democrat, even among those facing tough reelection races next year, to publicly push for Menendez to step down," it added.
Menendez, wife set to be arraigned on federal bribery charges https://t.co/C75g4sA8MY pic.twitter.com/6gxYKcAWss
— The Hill (@thehill) September 27, 2023
"Menendez and his wife are expected to formally hear the charges against them and enter their pleas Wednesday morning, according to a court spokesperson," the Hill reported.
"Two of the businessmen, Uribe and Daibes, are also scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, the spokesperson said. Hana on Tuesday entered a plea of not guilty for bribing Menendez," it added.
U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein, a Clinton appointee, has been selected to oversee the case.
Nearly two dozen Democratic leaders have now called for Menendez to step down. So far, the senator has held fast to his innocence and plans to run for reelection.
The massive change toward Menendez since last week could change his plans, however, as he now faces both his legal battle and a massive loss of public support as he seeks to continue in office despite the financial charges.
