Senator Bob Menendez, 70, now found guilty of all 16 charges against him Tuesday, is, as of this writing, still a candidate. Such a notion might have seemed incredible a few short years ago, especially as Menendez had survived a dismissed federal corruption trial in 2017. One may think of the Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler” where some wisdom is imparted to the listener. The gambler says, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, Know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away, And know when to run.” Does the Senator know?
Governor Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, released a statement today, demonstrating that enough is enough. I reiterate my call for Senator Menendez to resign immediately after being found guilty of endangering national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system,” read the governor’s statement in part. “If he refuses to vacate his office, I call on the U.S. Senate to vote to expel him. In the event of a vacancy, I will exercise my duty to make a temporary appointment to ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve.”
Murphy had turned against Senator Menendez back in September of last year, calling on him to step down when the indictment was rolled out. His wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, mounted a brief but self-terminated campaign, ceding the Democratic nomination for US Senate to Congressman Andy Kim. Kim is running in the general election against Republican challenger Curtis Bashaw. Throughout, Menendez maintained his innocence—and his re-election campaign—without party support, but rather as an independent.
Joining others, including U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), US Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for the first time today called upon Menendez to “do what is right” and step down.
A Manhattan jury spent about twelve hours following the federal trial which lasted just over two months. On hearing the verdict, Menendez vowed to appeal. His sentencing is scheduled for October 29. Election Day, of course, is November 5.
Whether or not Menendez will have his incredibly-long-shot opportunity to serve again will depend on whether he does step down amid the ever-growing chorus of calls for him to do so, or is given the final ignominy and removed by his fellow senators. If so, Governor Phil Murphy would replace Menendez with an interim-senator. Given that 2024 is an election year, no special election would be required. Kim would remain the Democratic nominee to face Bashaw, the Republican nominee, in a procedurally business-as-usual type of election in a year where politics have been far from “usual.”
Menendez as a thorn in the side of the Democratic Party also presents his fellow Democrats with an opportunity to demonstrate some ethical housekeeping. The Republican Party has embraced Trump as their nominee for the third time, despite being a convicted felon as a result of his hush-money case while having his more serious classified documents case dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon. Democrats may attempt to contrast themselves as the party of law and order, in an interesting reversal of perceptions, by taking decisive action against the corruption in their own ranks, formerly one of the most powerful senators.
Menendez, convicted along with Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, was accused to using his position to direct US government money to Egypt in exchange for cash and gold bars. Almost a half-million dollars were found by investigators inside the senator’s clothing. The senator’s wife, Nadine, was also accused of receiving a $60,000 luxury car for influencing her husband. Nadine was also alleged to have been given a $10,000 a month no-show job in exchange for Menendez’s help in keeping federal eyes off Hana, whose firm had been given Egyptian authority to certify exported meat as halal.
Congressman Bill Pascrell eulogized Menendez’s public service in a statement, saying, “This is a sad final chapter to what was a productive career. For the good of our great state, the Congress, and America, Senator Menendez should resign.”
Menendez’s long career in government has come to its nadir. Abandoned by his party, his colleagues, and found guilty in court, Menendez faces a reckoning. Harkening once more to the gambler, riding the rails on his last, fateful night, he warned, “If you’re gonna play the game, boy, You gotta learn to play it right.”
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In a recent article published on Insider NJ, Senator Bob Menendez has been criticized for ignoring the lessons taught in the classic film “The Gambler.” The article highlights how Menendez’s actions and decisions mirror those of the protagonist in the film, who finds himself in a downward spiral due to his addiction to gambling.
The article points out that just like the character in “The Gambler,” Menendez seems to be taking unnecessary risks and making reckless decisions that could ultimately lead to his downfall. Despite warnings from his colleagues and constituents, Menendez continues to engage in behavior that is not only detrimental to his own reputation but also to the well-being of those he represents.
One of the key lessons from “The Gambler” is the importance of knowing when to walk away and when to cut your losses. However, it appears that Menendez is unwilling to heed this advice and is instead doubling down on his risky behavior.
The article also draws attention to the fact that Menendez’s actions are not only damaging to himself but also to the credibility of the political system as a whole. By ignoring the lessons from “The Gambler,” Menendez is setting a dangerous precedent for other politicians who may be tempted to follow in his footsteps.
In conclusion, the article serves as a cautionary tale for politicians like Menendez who seem to have forgotten the valuable lessons taught in films like “The Gambler.” It serves as a reminder that in politics, as in life, it is important to know when to walk away and when to cut your losses before it’s too late.
