Whereas particulars of the most recent investigation are scarce, the Semafor report stated “the broad outlines of the brand new inquiry are much like the 2017 case,” however that it doesn’t contain Menendez’s former co-defendant and good friend, Florida eye physician Salomon Melgen.
Within the earlier case, prosecutors accused Menendez of doing political favors for Melgen — corresponding to interceding on his behalf when he was being investigated by the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Companies, and discouraging donating port safety screening gear to the Dominican Republic for the good thing about an organization wherein Melgen had a stake — in change for political donations, non-public jet flights and lavish holidays in Melgen’s Dominican villa.
Menendez, New Jersey’s senior senator, argued that the whole lot he did for Melgen was borne out of friendship and that there was no quid professional quo.
After a prolonged trial in 2017, a jury deadlocked, with most members desirous to acquit Menendez. Prosecutors at first introduced plans to strive Menendez once more, however shortly backed off.
The brand new investigation threatens to cloud Menendez’s anticipated reelection marketing campaign in 2024.
However Menendez, who chairs the Senate International Relations Committee, is a particularly influential determine within the New Jersey Democratic Occasion, so it’s unlikely many, if any, social gathering officers will publicly distance themselves from him any time quickly. When Menendez was indicted in 2015, Democrats — together with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) — publicly stood with him, with some even exhibiting as much as watch a part of his trial.
Democrats had motive to concern Menendez leaving workplace final time. Republican Chris Christie was governor and would have appointed an interim alternative. Present Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s time period doesn’t finish till January 2026.
The information additionally comes as Menendez’s son, Robert J. Menendez, is operating for the Home seat Menendez occupied earlier than being elevated to the Senate in 2006. The youthful Menendez, a Democrat with little political expertise, is operating in one among New Jersey’s most closely Democratic districts and isn’t dealing with a severe problem.