Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is reportedly circulating a petition to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate.
The couple allegedly leveraged the senator’s position to “protect and enrich” certain businessmen and to “benefit the Arab Republic of Egypt,” according to the indictment in the New York Times.
Menendez faced further allegations in January, accused of accepting bribes from the Qatari royal family in return for praising Qatar. In exchange for his favorable comments, Menendez allegedly received luxury items such as high-end wristwatches.
Scoop: Bob Menendez is collecting petition signatures to run for re-election as an independent in November. The filing deadline is June 4.
https://t.co/7wMN1dHoXL— David Wildstein (@wildstein) May 25, 2024
This follows after the senator declined to run for reelection as a Democrat, and has since considered running as an independent candidate.
The New Jersey Globe reported:
By filing, he would maintain the option of retaining his seat or potentially increased leverage if a three-way race brings attention to the New Jersey seat in November. His trial is expected to extend at least until the end of June. … The deadline for independent candidates to withdraw from the race without appearing on the ballot is August 16, giving him ample time to make a final decision. … It’s not clear how many people are assisting Menendez, if any.
