Two Republicans seeking New Jersey’s U.S. Senate seat in 2024 said they aren’t surprised by Democrat Bob Menendez’s indictment today on federal bribery charges.
“The indictment of Sen. Menendez is a sad day for New Jersey, but not surprising. ‘Gold Bar Bob’ has been battling credible allegations of corruption throughout most of his time in office,” said Christine Serrano Glassner, the mayor of Mendham Borough and the frontrunner for the GOP nomination.
Another candidate, political newcomer Shirley Maia-Cusick, called on Menendez to resign immediately.
“His corrupt behavior is a clear and blatant betrayal of the interests of our country,” she said. “It is time for justice to be served and for Menendez to no longer disgrace the office he holds.”
The New Jersey Republican State Committee also called on Menendez to step down.
“While we acknowledge the Senator’s presumption of innocence and right to a fair trial, it is clear that his decade-long legal woes have become an embarrassing distraction,” said Alex Wilkes, a spokesperson for the state party. “For the good of the people of this state, who deserve full and devoted representation, we call on Senator Robert Menendez to resign.”
Menendez has said he planned to seek re-election to a fourth term next year, but has made no public comment since the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced this morning that an indictment against Menendez and his wife alleging that government actions were provided in exchange for cash, gold bars and other gifts.
“I’m running for Senate to fight against this culture of corruption embodied by Bob Menendez and bring change that will empower New Jerseyans and bring economic relief to the people who have worked hardest for it,” Serrano Glassner said.