In the wake of Sen. Bob Menendez’s shocking indictment on federal bribery charges, a compelling split-screen narrative has unfolded, injecting a palpable sense of intrigue into the political landscape.
In the Garden State of New Jersey, where pivotal statehouse elections loom this November, Democrats face a precarious situation, with the possibility of losing their majority in Trenton looming large. Party leaders, from the relentless Governor Phil Murphy on down, have swiftly and decisively called for Menendez’s resignation. The senator is already grappling with a formidable primary opponent in the form of Rep. Andy Kim, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in 2024.
But as the spotlight intensifies in Washington, a different narrative unfolds. President Joe Biden has opted to punt the matter, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre asserting that the decision ultimately rests in the hands of Menendez and Senate leadership. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the second-in-command, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), have publicly stood by Menendez, exhibiting unwavering support in a divided party.
Only a select few Democratic senators have openly called for Menendez’s resignation. Freshmen senators John Fetterman (Pa.) and Peter Welch (Vt.), along with Sherrod Brown (Ohio), who faces a tough re-election battle in a red state, have been vocal in their stance. The majority of their colleagues, however, have remained conspicuously silent since the indictment shook the political landscape on Friday.
Today, these lawmakers will return to the hallowed halls of the Capitol, facing a relentless Capitol press corps eager for answers on the Menendez question. Behind closed doors, a growing faction of Democratic strategists harbors private reservations, believing that their party is fumbling a crucial opportunity to sever ties with a looming political liability. This hesitation, they contend, could potentially tarnish the party’s image and hinder its ability to effectively counter the multiple criminal indictments faced by former President Donald Trump, a central narrative in the upcoming House and Senate races.
One prominent voice adding weight to this sentiment is former New Jersey Senator Robert Torricelli, who has emphasized the need for Schumer to take decisive action. Torricelli contends that just as Governor Murphy adeptly navigated New Jersey Democrats away from this crisis, the Senate caucus must do the same to protect the party’s integrity. Failing to act, he warns, could force candidates in competitive states like Montana and West Virginia to grapple with the Menendez issue, potentially exacerbating internal party divisions.
In a defiant public address in his hometown of Union City, N.J., Menendez attempted to counter the allegations, explaining away the $480,000 in cash discovered in his closet as reserves for “emergencies,” withdrawn from his personal accounts. He accused Southern District of New York prosecutors of sensationalizing the indictment for maximum impact.
Yet, numerous questions linger unaddressed: What about the gold bars found in his closet? What was the purpose of his Google searches on their worth? What can be said about the DNA evidence and fingerprints tying alleged bribers to the cash? And perhaps most importantly, will Menendez still seek re-election next year? As he faces arraignment alongside his wife and other co-defendants, all eyes will be on him this week as he navigates the Senate floor.
Among the Democratic senators, none will be scrutinized more closely than Cory Booker, Menendez’s fellow New Jersey Democrat, known for his extensive network of friendships and political alliances, which have sometimes led to controversy. Booker’s relationship with Shmuley Boteach famously disintegrated amid allegations of political exploitation. He faced criticism during the 2020 presidential primary for his work with Betsy DeVos in Newark, and his support for Elizabeth Holmes in her fraud case raised eyebrows among his supporters.
However, no relationship has tested Booker’s loyalty and political stance quite like his friendship with Bob Menendez. Despite rising as a prominent opponent of Jersey’s political machine, Booker swiftly became the face of Team Menendez when the senator faced corruption charges in 2015. The hung jury verdict in Menendez’s trial in 2017 appeared to validate Booker’s unwavering support.
While Menendez’s political fate may ultimately hinge on his own choices, Booker’s stance carries immense weight. If Booker calls for Menendez’s resignation, it could set a precedent, making it easier for other silent Democrats to follow suit. Conversely, a supportive statement from Booker could prove invaluable, solidifying Menendez’s position in this high-stakes political drama.
As the political landscape simmers with intrigue and uncertainty, the nation watches with bated breath, awaiting the next chapter in the unfolding saga.
