Menendez Charged for Using Campaign Funds at Hotel

Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has come under fire for using a campaign credit card to cover nearly $2,600 in hotel expenses at the luxury Millenium Downtown New York hotel during his ongoing corruption trial. Federal Election Commission (FEC) records indicate that Menendez frequently stayed at the hotel, which is located just 16 miles from his home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. He reportedly received a government employee discount, with nightly rates around $189. Recently convicted on 16 counts, including bribery and extortion, Menendez now faces the possibility of decades in prison. Despite his legal troubles, he has announced plans to appeal the conviction. Following his conviction, Menendez resigned from his Senate position effective August 20, leaving his seat vacant. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has yet to appoint a successor, who will serve until the upcoming November election. As Menendez runs for reelection as an independent, questions loom over whether he will continue his campaign. If he fails to secure a position in Congress this fall, it would mark the first time since 1993 that he has been absent from the legislative body. Meanwhile, the race for his seat is heating up, with Democratic nominee Rep. Andy Kim and Republican nominee Curtis Bashaw vying for the position in a state that leans heavily Democratic.