NJ Dems Show Support for Menendez After Corruption Indictment

Despite a 14-count indictment alleging United States Senator Bob Menendez took part in years-long corruption practices with a Florida-based doctor, a handful of New Jersey Democrats stood up and showed their support of the Hudson County native.

Late Wednesday night, just hours after the indictment became national news, five New Jersey congressmen released a statement championing Menendez’s political work and his efforts to “fight” for New Jersey residents.

“Senator Menendez is a tireless and effective public servant, driven by the need to improve the lives of those he is elected to represent,” said Congressman Frank Pallone, of Long Branch, who represents District 6. “I have worked with Bob throughout his tenure in the House and the Senate on the countless issues of importance to New Jersey – including Sandy relief, opposing offshore drilling, and fighting for college affordability – and look forward to doing so.”

Menendez was charged Wednesday after a multi-year investigation that stemmed from the FBI raid of Doctor Salomon Melgen’s Florida office. Melgen and the senator have been friends for more than 20 years, and the doctor is Menendez’s single-biggest political benefactor, including a $700,000 donation to a Democratic Super PAC in 2012 that directly benefitted Menendez’s re-election campaign.

See related stories:

• U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey Indicted on Corruption Charges
• Menendez: ‘I’m Angry, Ready to Fight, And Not Going Anywhere’

It’s not the first time the duo’s relationship has been called into question, with Menendez being forced to pay back $70,000 in private plane fees initially contributed by Melgen.

“Senator Menendez has always maintained his innocence and I stand with him as he defends himself from these charges because he is a friend and has proven to be a fierce fighter on behalf of all New Jerseyans,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell, D-09. “I know he will continue the job the people of New Jersey elected him to and work tirelessly on behalf of his constituents.”

Other politicians focused on the judicial process and not letting it impede Menendez’s work at the federal level.

“Like all Americans, Senator Menendez is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and the chance to defend himself. We must allow the legal process to work through the matters at hand,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12.

“All Americans, not just Senator Menendez, are entitled to a presumption of innocence,” said Congressman Albio Sires, D-08. “These charges are just an accusation. 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.”

Menendez is due in federal court in Newark on Thursday for his first hearing.