Essex County Menendez Supporters Rally Behind Embattled Senator

They must have had their statements ready.

The pre-meditated blitz of support from Essex and Hudson County Democrats came flooding out just moments after the indictment of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez on Wednesday on 14 counts of federal criminal corruption charges. [See related Patch article]

News of Menendez’s impending indictment leaked out to the media in early March, giving local politicians plenty of time to contemplate their responses in support of the man that some reports have dubbed “The Boss of Hudson County.”

For his own part, Menendez has defiantly insisted on his innocence. In a press conference in Newark on Wednesday, Menendez blasted the U.S. Justice Department for starting an investigation based on “false allegations,” and being unable to recognize the “difference between friendship and corruption.”

“I have always conducted myself in accordance with the law,” Menendez told reporters. “I have always stood up for what’s right. I fight for the issues I believe in, the people I represent and for safety and security of this country every single day. That’s who I am and I’m proud of what I have accomplished. And I’m not going anywhere.”

LOCAL SUPPORT FOR MENENDEZ

The recent federal charges against Menendez are not the first that the senator has faced in his career. [Read about some previous allegations here]

Many of these accustations against Menendez – which include prior alleged ethic violations - have eventually been dismissed, a point that some of his Democrat supporters in Essex and Hudson counties made in their statements of support.

“Bob’s opponents have been trying to bring him down for years and have failed miserably every time,” insisted Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “I have full confidence that he’ll get through this and won’t let it distract him from doing the job that he was elected to do by the people of New Jersey.”

Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo was one of the first out of the gate to express his support for Menendez.

“Senator Menendez, as all Americans are, is entitled to a presumption of innocence, and I am sure he welcomes the opportunity to clearly state his case,” stated DiVincenzo. “Senator Menendez cares deeply about the people he represents and is a fierce advocate for them in Congress.”

U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., who represents New Jersey’s 10th District (including Montclair, Bloomfield, Maplewood, Newark and South Orange), stated that he’s known Menendez for many years.

“Throughout my career in government, I’ve had the opportunity to see, first-hand, the benefits of the work Bob Menendez has done on behalf of New Jerseyans,” stated Payne. “Whether it was passing legislation to help working families or securing funding for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy, he’s always fighting for us. Senator Menendez cares deeply about the people he represents and has been a fierce advocate for them in Congress.”

U.S. Senator Cory Booker – the former Mayor of Newark – warned people to remember that the American justice system presumes innocence before guilt.

“Senator Menendez has never wavered in his commitment to the people of New Jersey,” stated Booker. “He’s been an invaluable resource and a mentor to me since I arrived in the Senate. I won’t waiver in my commitment to stand alongside my senior senator.”

U.S. Congressman Albio Sires, who represents New Jersey’s 8th District (including Hoboken, Belleville and Newark), also spoke in favor of the presumption of innocence.

“These charges are just an accusation,” pointed out Sires.“My friend Bob Menendez is not going anywhere. I know that he will get through this and nothing will distract him from doing what he does best, fighting for New Jersey.”

New Jersey State Senator Teresa Ruiz, who represents Newark and Belleville, stated that she supports Menendez and that she knows the senator “will not back down.”