Bob Menendez, Facing Corruption Trial, Believes He Can Win Reelection | Vanity Fair

Written by Bess Levin

Bob Menendez, the New Jersey senator, is in the midst of a corruption trial. He is accused by federal prosecutors of participating in an international bribery and fraud scheme involving hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz for his spouse, a meat monopoly, along with the government of Qatar. If found guilty, he faces several years in prison, adding pressure from his fellow Democrats for him to step down. However, Menendez does not appear to be finished with his political career in Washington and has applied for re-election this week.

Despite allegations of hiding “greater than $480,000 in cash - much of which was packed in envelopes and concealed in clothes, closets, and a safe” around his residence for ostensibly legitimate reasons, Menendez submitted his application on Monday for a fourth term as an unaffiliated candidate in the Senate. According to the New Jersey Department of State, Menendez's petition gathered 2,465 signatures, surpassing the required number threefold for placement on the general election ballot.

In a recent statement Menendez said, “Today, I have submitted far more than the required number of signatures to run for re-election. The citizens of this great state deserve a representative in Washington with a proven history of ferociously fighting for results, and that's what I plan to continue doing as an independent Democrat. While I'm not happy with having to take this path due to persistently aggressive prosecutors, I will do what is necessary to keep upholding my office's oath for my constituents... In short, I have served New Jersey and will continue to do so. I am eager to move past these accusations and return to working for my constituents.” He continued, “Despite how it may appear in the media, my innocence is being established in court. As I've proclaimed before; I have not committed any crime. I am more confident than ever that the people of New Jersey, as well as the rest of the American public will witness my exoneration from these accusations and I will be re-elected to the Senate once more.”

In March, Menendez declared he wouldn't participate in the Democratic primary, but proposed he might run as an independent candidate. Representative Andy Kim, believed to be the primary winner, commented on Menendez's campaign, “Americans are tired of politicians prioritizing their own wellbeing before the country's interests. Everyone knows Bob Menendez isn't campaigning for the New Jersey people, he's doing it for his own benefit. It's high time for a change, and I am ready to bring integrity back into the US Senate.”

An early March poll by Monmouth University uncovered that 75% of New Jersey residents think Menendez is likely guilty.