‘Gold Bar’ Sen. Bob Menendez to resign in August — and likely cash in on his way out
Bob Menendez, a New Jersey senator and convicted felon, will resign on August 20. This will ensure that he will receive one last taxpayer-funded salary on his way out.
Menendez revealed his resignation in a Tuesday letter to the New Jersey Governor’s Office.
The disgraced Senator, who was found guilty last week of trading his power for bribes of a lucrative nature, has set his final day to be August 20.
Menendez is likely to receive another portion of his $174,000 annual salary before he leaves the Senate.
Menendez did not mention this fact in his letter. He only said that he chose that date to “allow my staff time to transition to alternative possibilities, transfer constituents files that are still pending, allow an orderly selection process for an interim replacement and for me close out my Senate matters.”
Menendez stated that, “While I intend to appeal the verdict of the jury, up to and including the Supreme Court, it is not my intention to involve the Senate in a long process which will distract from its important work.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy stated in a press release that he received a letter today from Senator Bob Menendez stating his intention to resign on August 20, 2024.
Murphy said, “I will do my duty and make a temporary nomination to the United States Senate in order to provide the people of New Jersey with the representation they deserve.”
In response to the bribery accusations, a flood of Democrats publicly demanded Menendez step down. These calls only became louder when a jury found Menendez guilty of 16 counts of using his position in politics to benefit Egypt and Qatar, as well as three of his wealthy friends, by exchanging cash, gold bars, and other gifts.
Menendez, despite his conviction, continued to maintain his innocence. He refused to step down and vowed to appeal. Sentenced to be delivered on October 29, the three-term Democrat could face up to a decade in prison.
Menendez was rumored to be leaving the Senate because he had no allies. Even Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader in New York’s Senate majority, publicly called for him to resign following his conviction.
This is despite the slim majority of 51-49 that the Democrats hold in the upper chamber. Murphy, a Democrat will replace Menendez during the remaining term.
The scandal-ravaged senator initially slapped back any talk of his resignation.
Menendez said to CBS News that he had not resigned and that he hadn’t spoken with any of his so-called allies. “It seems to me there’s an attempt to try and force me to make a statement.” Anyone who knows me will tell you that is the worst thing to do with me.
He said earlier this month that he had collected the signatures needed to run as an independent candidate for the Senate.
Menendez declared in March that he wouldn’t run for reelection as a Democrat due to the corruption case brought against him.
Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, has won the nomination of the Democratic Party for this seat. He is a clear favorite to win the seat that has been held for decades by Democrats.
Menendez was rated as being terminally under water by polls if he tried to defend his seat on Nov. 5.
Rep. Rob Menendez, D-NJ, managed to win a primary despite the baggage of his father.
The indictment forced the elder Menendez to step down as a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, a powerful committee in the upper chamber.
Menendez, in particular, was found guilty of using his political power for gifts, such as cash and 1-kilogram bars of gold, a Mercedes-Benz Convertible, etc., to obtain favors.
He denies these allegations.
In the case, his wife Nadine was also a defendant, along with Wael Daibes and Fred Daibes. Both men were convicted for lining Menendez’s pockets with money in exchange of benefits.
Nadine was scheduled to begin her breast cancer treatment with a separate trial, but this date has now been postponed indefinitely.
Prosecutors compiled evidence that included photos of gold bars worth $150,000, found in his bedroom. They also included wads of money totaling $480,000 and a collection of text messages.
Menendez, according to prosecutors, helped draft a letter asking for the federal government’s assistance to Egypt to be unfrozen after it had been frozen due to concerns about human rights. He also allegedly worked to protect Hana’s halal-meat business.
The report outlined the actions Menendez has taken between 2018 and 2022.
Menendez’s office didn’t respond to a Post comment request on Tuesday.
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