Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, amid mounting challenges, has decided against seeking re-election in November, although he remains steadfast in his refusal to step down, sources close to him reveal
Confirming this decision, a source stated, “He will not be running,” bringing an end to Menendez’s bid for another term in the Senate.
His tenure, spanning three terms, has been marred by controversy, particularly since he relinquished his position as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the wake of initial indictments.
Facing an 18-count indictment, Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, find themselves ensnared in legal turmoil, with fresh charges alleging deception of federal investigators and obstruction of justice. Moreover, Menendez stands accused of acting as an unregistered agent for the government of Qatar, adding to the allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors, which surfaced last October.
Their legal battle, which commenced in October with their initial indictment, has seen them maintaining their innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges leveled against them. However, the impending trial scheduled for May in Manhattan casts a shadow over their prospects, especially with one of their co-accused, Jose Uribe, having recently pleaded guilty to multiple corruption charges and agreed to cooperate with federal authorities.
Despite mounting pressure from both within and outside his party, Menendez remains adamant about retaining his position, even as voices calling for his resignation grow louder. Notably, prominent figures such as Rep. Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy, New Jersey’s first lady, present formidable challenges in the Democratic primaries, eroding Menendez’s once-formidable support base.
Recent endorsements and fundraising figures further underscore Menendez’s dwindling influence within Democratic circles. With Murphy securing the backing of Democrats in Bergen County, coupled with significant financial support garnered by primary contenders like Kim, Menendez finds himself in a precarious position, lacking the resources and backing needed to sustain a competitive campaign.
Critics point to Menendez’s diminishing financial support, exemplified by his meager fundraising efforts compared to his primary opponents, as evidence of his waning appeal and viability as a candidate. Meanwhile, calls for his resignation, echoed by fellow Democrats like Senator Cory Booker and Pennsylvania’s Senator John Fetterman, continue unabated, further isolating Menendez within his own party.
As the Democratic primary landscape evolves, additional contenders, including political activist Larry Hamm and labor organizer Patricia Campos-Medina, have emerged.
{Dov. T. Heller-Matzav.com}
Booker is a classic backstabber.