Democrats will do anything.
According to sources who have directly spoken with him, indicted Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, is contemplating the possibility of seeking re-election in November as an independent candidate, as reported by NBC News.
Menendez, along with his wife Nadine Menendez, is currently facing 18 federal charges, including allegations of accepting bribes. Despite this, Menendez has not made a public statement regarding his intentions for the upcoming election, which would mark the end of his current term in January.
Following his initial indictment, Menendez relinquished his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but has adamantly refused calls for his resignation. Sources have revealed that he is now reaching out to his supporters to discuss his political career and is making preparations to gather signatures to qualify as an independent candidate for the November ballot. Should he choose to run as a Democrat, he would need to secure 1,000 signatures by March 25th, a deadline that is fast approaching. However, running as an independent would afford him more time, requiring only 800 signatures by June 4th.
When pressed for confirmation about his potential independent candidacy, Menendez remained elusive, stating multiple times that he does not feel compelled to disclose his plans until he is ready to do so publicly.
Meanwhile, several Democratic candidates have already announced their bids for Menendez’s Senate seat, including Rep. Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy, the first lady of New Jersey. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 4th.
Rep. Kim expressed concern over Menendez’s contemplation of an independent run, criticizing it as a self-serving decision that could jeopardize the Democrats’ chances of retaining the seat. He emphasized his own track record of success in a district that supported former President Trump.
As for Menendez’s legal troubles, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein recently rejected his motion to dismiss the charges against him, arguing that legislative immunity does not apply in this case. The trial is slated to commence on May 6th, adding pressure on Menendez as his legal expenses mount. However, Menendez’s son, Rep. Rob Menendez, has announced his intention to seek re-election to the House and is not implicated in his father’s legal issues.
