Civic Register
| 8.31.17

Menendez Corruption Trial May Harm Senate Dems in Sept.

Join us and tell your reps how you feel!

What’s the story?

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is going to be on trial for corruption this fall, despite his best efforts to delay the proceeding. A politician on trial for corruption is always news, as it should be, but Menendez’s timing is particularly bad for the Democrats, and may imperil their efforts to halt key pieces of Republican legislation

Why does it matter?

Menendez is accused of using his influence to benefit a friend, Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, in exchange for lavish vacations, private jet flights and campaign cash. Through his lawyers he attempted to get the judge to delay the trial, now scheduled to begin September 6 in Newark, or to cancel proceedings on days that Menendez needed to be in Washington for key legislative votes.

His lawyers argued that it was unfair to ask the senator to choose between defending himself in front of a jury of his peers and exercising his Constitutional obligations to his constituents. The Department of Justice lawyers were unimpressed by the argument, reports Politico:

"A bedrock principle of our criminal justice system is that the law does not recognize wealth or title. Many defendants try to evade their criminal trials—but only a United States Senator can try to hide behind the very office he corrupted to avoid accountability to the public for his actions."

As we saw in the Senate vote on health care, when Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) cast the crucial vote that killed the legislation with a simple downturned thumb, contentious legislation survives these days on a razor’s edge. Twice already, with Democrats all standing together, Vice President Pence has had to come into cast tie-breaking votes — once to confirm Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and again to pass legislation limiting federal funds to abortion providers.

In addition to the annual budget process, the Senate will be voting this fall on raising the debt ceiling. They may also see more votes on health care, a tax reform package, and other polarizing issues. Unless Sen. McCain, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, also absents himself from the proceedings, Democrats will be a single, crucial vote down in terms of blocking Republican measures without intervention by the Vice President.

Even if Menendez is convicted, he’s likely to be around for months. Ultimately, he has to resign or be voted out by 2/3rds of the Senate. And if he can stick it out until NJ Governor Chris Christie leaves office in January of 2016, he may be able to preserve his seat for the Democrats. Christie is expected to be succeeded by a Democrat, who will control the appointment of a replacement for Menendez, if or when he resigns.

For now the only question is how fast the trains are between Newark and D.C. By the end of the fall session Sen. Menendez should be able to tell us.

What can you do?

Should Menendez resign now if he can’t prioritize his duty to represent his constituents? Should he hold out until he’s exonerated or can resign under a Democratic governor? Is convicting a politician for influence peddling like convicting water for being wet? Are you from New Jersey? What do you think Menendez should do?

Use the Take Action button to tell your reps what you think!

— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: U.S. Embassy Kyiv Ukraine via Flickr / Creative Commons)

Related Reading: