Most Democrats Think Sen. Menendez Should Resign If Convicted: Poll

The federal corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, one of the most powerful politicians in New Jersey, may already be taking a toll on the Democrat’s popularity, according to a recent poll.

It’s been more than two years since federal officials first announced the criminal bribery allegations facing Menendez. Since then, Menendez — who is up for reelection in 2018 — has kept his seat as the Garden State’s senior senator while the legal wheels spin.

But as his trial drags on, New Jersey residents' perception of the veteran lawmaker may be getting more bitter with every day that passes.

According to a recent Suffolk University poll conducted for the USA Today network, 84 percent of the respondents said that the senator should resign if convicted. That total is even high among Democrats, 77 percent of whom felt that Menendez should resign if found guilty.

Only 10 percent of respondents felt that Menendez should not resign if convicted, pollsters stated.

• See related article: Sen. Menendez Corruption Trial (What We Know So Far)

THE MENENDEZ TRIAL CONTINUES

Menendez’s trial represents a rare event in recent U.S. history: a sitting senator facing felony charges.

Menendez, identified as a Paramus resident in a Department of Justice statement, was indicted in April 2015 on charges of conspiracy, violating the travel act, bribery, honest services fraud and making false statements.

According to prosecutors, Menendez allegedly conspired with Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist, to use the power of his senate office to influence the outcome of ongoing contractual and Medicare billing disputes worth tens of millions of dollars to Melgen. In addition, Menendez allegedly supported the visa applications of several of Melgen’s girlfriends.

In exchange, Menendez received almost $1 million worth of lavish gifts and campaign contributions, prosecutors say.

Regardless of whether Menendez is found guilty, the trial has already taken a bite out of his reelection chances, according to a separate Quinnipiac University poll released last week.

About half of New Jersey’s eligible voters feel that Menendez doesn’t deserve to keep his senatorial seat, compared to 20 percent who do and 30 percent who are undecided, the Quinnipiac poll stated.

Menendez’s approval ratings are sinking as well, even among Democrats, pollsters claimed.

“Democrats approve [of Menendez’s performance] by an anemic 45 to 35 percent and voters 18 to 34 years old are divided 37 to 33 percent,” pollsters said. “Every other party, gender, education, age or racial group disapproves.”

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Photo: Robert Menendez, Twitter