(ConservativeSense.com) – Embattled Senator Bob Menendez gave thousands of dollars to a Democratic committee on the day his bribery charges were made public. Federal investigators unveiled indictments against the New Jersey Senator on September 22, including for accepting bribes, while his PAC, New Millenium, wired $15,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).
Senator Menendez says the payment was made before the charges were made public, and no funds have left his PAC since his indictment. The campaign committee has not returned the money to the senator.
The New Jersey politician has faced accusations of wrongdoing in the past, and in the latest indictment, he is alleged to have accepted lavish gifts in exchange for assisting in business arrangements, including one involving the Egyptian government. The indictment states that “Menendez provided sensitive US government information and took other steps that secretly aided the government of Egypt.”
During investigations, federal agents found gold bars and more than $500,000 in cash, some stuffed in boxes and envelopes.
In 2015, the senator faced similar allegations, including benefiting a Florida doctor in return for a $600,000 payment. Prosecutors indicted Menendez on that occasion, but the process ended with a mistrial, and the federal government decided not to pursue the matter.
Menendez denies all wrongdoing and believes he is the victim of a determined political smear; he said unidentified forces inside the federal government are “digging his political grave.” His fellow Democrats appear to have exhausted any sympathies. Those calling for his resignation include New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Cory Booker, a longtime ally of Menendez.
Only days after the September 22 indictment became public knowledge, senior Democrats from across the US began calling on Menendez to step aside. Memorably, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman said he would return a donation from Menendez in the form of “$100 bills stuffed in envelopes.” Fetterman was the first Democrat to call on his fellow Senator to step down gracefully.
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