Is it any surprise that the first sitting senator to be tried on charges of bribery in almost 40 years is Democratic?
That’s the current situation for Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who stands accused of taking a $60,000 bribe as well as more than half a million dollars in re-election PAC money in exchange for promoting business interests of his friend, Florida ophthalmologist and businessman Salomon Melgen.
It seems the Democratic senator used his office to pressure Dominican authorities into upholding a port security contract benefitting Melgen’s companies. Menendez also allegedly helped several of Melgen’s girlfriends get visas from the State Department. Melgen not only put up cash, but also offered Menendez trips on the former’s private jet, three nights in a five-star Paris hotel, rounds of golf at a West Palm Beach private golf club and access to a pricey Dominican resort.
Facing these charges, Menendez will battle the government in court, but even if he’s convicted, he could refuse to leave the Senate, in which case he could face expulsion by his bipartisan peers. Or, he could resign, in which case Republican Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie would appoint his successor. This would have the effect of reshaping the Senate slightly and giving Republicans an additional vote over the 52 seats they currently hold (which is significant, as at least two of those Republicans — Senator John McCain of Arizona and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska are “Republicans in Name Only [RiNOs]).
Watch, as MSNBC’s Chuck Todd explains the tantalizing possibilities.
