Bob could give up Harry Reid as part of a plea agreement.
Via National Journal
A 14-count indictment of corruption charges doesn’t faze Bob Menendez.
Entering a press conference Wednesday to loud applause and shouts of support, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., said he’s “angry” at the charges leveled against him Wednesday by the Justice Department.
“I am outraged that prosecutors at the Justice Department were tricked into starting this investigation three years ago with false allegations by those who have a political motive to silence me,” Menendez said. “I will not be silenced.”
The Justice Department indicted Menendez on 14 federal corruption charges. The charges, including conspiracy and bribery, are linked to his relationship with longtime friend and donor Salomon Melgen, an ophthalmologist in Florida. He’s accused of accepting gifts from Melgen, who was also charged, in exchange for political favors. Read more about what’s in the 68-page indictment here. (It’s a doozy.)
Charges against the senator had been expected for weeks, and they’ve come at a politically fraught time. Menendez, as the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, has been deeply involved in the debate surrounding the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal and the Obama administration’s request to use force against the Islamic State. He’s well-respected by Republicans—especially for his more hawkish views on Iran—and his absence may hurt Democrats. Foreign Relations is expected to vote soon on legislation mandating that the Obama administration send any potential deal to Congress for review, before switching gears to focus on the AUMF.
The Justice Department indictment details how Melgen allegedly gave about $1 million to Menendez in campaign support and other gifts. Among the alleged perks: flights aboard Melgen’s private aircraft, stays in luxury hotels, golf outings, and pricey meals. Menendez allegedly didn’t report the gifts, violating disclosure rules. Menendez, in exchange, allegedly “engaged in advocacy for Melgen all the way up to the highest levels of the U.S. government.”
The senator also allegedly helped Melgen acquire visas for several girlfriends; tried to “pressure” the State Department to intervene in a contract dispute Melgen had in the Dominican Republic; and attempted to “influence” the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services when the agency sought “millions of dollars in Medicare overbillings” from Melgen.