International Courant
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez stated Thursday he is not going to search one other time period as a Democrat as he faces corruption and different fees he denies — however left open the potential of operating as an impartial in November.
“I can’t be submitting for the Democratic main in June,” he stated in a video assertion. “I’m hopeful that my exoneration will happen this summer time in order that I can proceed my candidacy as an impartial Democrat within the common election.”
He continued, “This may give me time to remind New Jerseyans not solely of how I succeeded in being your champion – but in addition how we’ll safe our monetary future, the challenges of elevating a household, proudly owning a house, offering for a university schooling and securing a extra peaceable world by which we are able to all reside.”
Menendez, if he have been to run as an impartial, would doubtless face a severe problem from the Democratic candidate, given the state’s partisan leanings. Governor Phil Murphy’s spouse Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim are at present the main candidates within the main.
Senator Bob Menendez arrives for a Senate Finance Committee listening to in Washington, DC, on March 21, 2024.
Bloomberg by way of Getty Photographs
Prosecutors have accused Menendez of conspiring along with his spouse and a businessman to have the senator act as an agent of Egypt. In keeping with the prison fees in opposition to him, Menendez meant to assist raise a blockade on U.S. navy support to Egypt in change for bribes.
He’s additionally accused of taking bribes in change for offering favors to the Qatari authorities.
As he has constantly achieved since he was charged in September, Menendez maintained his innocence in his video Thursday.
“I do know lots of you might be damage and dissatisfied in me by the allegations I face. … All I can ask of you is to droop judgment till justice is served,” he stated.
He spent most of his recorded assertion touting his achievements throughout his time within the Senate, specializing in the time after Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABC Information’ Aaron Katersky contributed to this report.
Sen. Bob Menendez, who will not be operating for one more time period as a Democrat, suggests he may turn into an impartial
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