US Democratic Senator Bob Menendez refuses to step down from his position despite calls for him to resign.
Although he faces charges, such as taking bribes, the official still denies the accusations.
US Senator Bob Menendez Denies Accusations, Refuses to Step Down
According to Reuters' latest report, New Jersey's Democratic governor and other elected officials publicly urged Menendez to resign. Even senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi said the US senator should step down. However, Bob Menendez ignored their calls on Monday, September 25.
Political analysts said that Menendez's decision to retain his position could negatively affect his party's efforts to maintain its narrow 51-49 majority in the chamber. Instead of stepping down, Menendez temporarily left his role as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator," said the Democratic senator during his first public remarks after facing charges.
His decision negates Senate Democratic rules, which require any member to give up their leadership position if they face criminal charges. They can still take back their positions once the court finds them not guilty.
Read Also : Democrat Committee Chief Encourages Washington To Pack Up, End Assistance to Saudi Arabia
Will Menendez Become the Next Harrison Williams
CBS News reported that Bob Menendez, along with his wife, Nadine, are being charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, as well as conspiracy to commit honest services fraud.
New York's federal prosecutors said that Bob and Nadine received hundreds of thousands of dollars and lavish luxury gifts in exchange for using Menendez's influence to benefit some New Jersey business associates greatly.
The ongoing issue of Bob Menendez is quite similar to the case of Harrison A. Williams, a former Democrat senator who also represented New Jersey in the US House of Representatives. Williams (aka Pete) was also convicted of crimes related to the famous ABSCAM case. Experts said it is ironic that Menendez fills the same seat that Williams resigned from.
They added that the parallels between the Menendez and Williams cases are quite striking since both have funneled foreign payments through companies. For example, in the case of Menendez, he is accused of funneling money through a halal meat enterprise. Meanwhile, Harrison's recent case involves a mining operation.
In March 1982, Williams decided to resign from his position after knowing his appeals were rejected in late 1981. There's a chance that Bob Menendez could face the same outcome since their cases are very alike. But, it depends on whether the US senator continues his fight or accepts the calls to resign.
