Felon Bob Menendez relegated to Senate outcast
- Bob Menendez, a convicted felon and outgoing senator, was absent from the Senate, prompting speculation about his future.
- A colleague expressed doubt about seeing him return.
- This situation highlights the significant political fallout following his conviction.
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been found guilty on 16 counts related to a bribery and public corruption scheme, leading to widespread calls from his fellow Democrats for his immediate resignation. His absence during the Senate's final summer working days, prior to his scheduled resignation on August 20, has been met with relief among party members. With only two weeks of Senate sessions remaining, Democrats deemed it unnecessary to pursue expulsion proceedings against him. Menendez's conviction, which includes charges of extortion, wire fraud, and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, was reached after a jury deliberated for over 12 hours. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Menendez has maintained his innocence, asserting he has never acted as a foreign agent. His conviction marks him as the seventh sitting senator to be convicted of a federal crime, and notably, the first to face charges related to foreign agency. In a controversial move, Menendez utilized campaign funds to cover nearly $2,600 in hotel expenses during his trial, despite living only 16 miles away from the venue. His delayed resignation will allow him to collect an additional month’s salary, raising questions about the ethics of his financial decisions during this tumultuous period. As the Senate prepares for a transition, Democratic leaders, including Senator Dick Durbin, have expressed frustration over Menendez's decision to remain in office despite his conviction, emphasizing the need for accountability among elected officials.