Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is reportedly seeking support from friends in his state to pass around a petition that would allow him to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming November election. The senator, who declined to seek reelection as a Democrat, must secure at least 800 registered voter signatures before the June 4 deadline.
He has no shame ~ ~ Embattled Sen. Bob Menendez gathering signatures for independent senate run https://t.co/i3QPb1DnBn pic.twitter.com/GCo7MqRfD4
— Mary (@matjendav4) May 26, 2024
Menendez and his wife, Nadine, are currently facing three federal counts of allegedly accepting bribes from New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana, Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe. The couple is accused of using Menendez’s political clout to “protect and enrich” the businessmen and benefit Egypt, according to a New York Times indictment.
I’d take calls for Thomas and Alito to recuse more seriously if the people who are on here tweeting about it all day were at least 20% as consistently insistent that Bob Menéndez resign. Cause taking gold from Egypt while serving in the senate sure seems dangerous to Democracy!
— roly giz (@rolygiz) May 27, 2024
Why is Chucky Cheese Schumer allowing Menendez to be a member of the Senate?
— John Locke (@JLocke1632) May 27, 2024
Additional allegations emerged in January, claiming Menendez accepted bribes, including luxury wristwatches, from the Qatari royal family in exchange for speaking highly of Qatar. The senator has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As Menendez’s trial, which began on May 13, proceeds, jurors were given a glimpse into his home through photographs taken during an FBI search in June 2022. The search revealed $486,461 in cash and 13 gold bars worth more than $150,000.
The New Jersey Globe reported that by filing as an independent, Menendez could potentially keep his seat or enhance his bargaining position in a three-way race.
