Menendez’s donations may pose challenges for Dems in tough reelection battles.

Sen. Robert Menendez’s (D., N.J.) political action committee has generously contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the campaigns of Senate Democrats who are facing challenging reelection battles next year. This‍ has‍ raised questions about whether these candidates⁢ will hold onto the funds in ⁢light of the ‌bombshell bribery indictment of the scandal-plagued‌ New ‌Jersey Democrat.

Menendez’s New Millennium ​PAC⁢ has made significant contributions to the campaigns of ‌Democratic senators Bob Casey (Pa.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), and Tim Kaine (Va.), according to⁣ campaign ‍finance disclosures. The committee has also supported Sen. ​Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) with a⁣ substantial ⁢donation, as well as Rep. Lisa ⁣Blunt Rochester (D.), who is ⁣running‍ for ​Delaware’s open Senate seat.

The financial ties to ⁣Menendez could pose a political challenge for Democrats in these ⁣crucial ‍races, which will play a significant role in determining ​party control of the​ Senate next year. The pressure intensified ⁢when Sen. John Fetterman ‍(D., Pa.) called on⁣ Menendez to resign from office and pledged to return a ⁣$5,000 contribution he received‍ last year from‍ New Millennium PAC.

According to federal ‍prosecutors, Menendez engaged in providing political favors to three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for cash, gold ‍bars,⁢ a Mercedes-Benz, and mortgage payments. Federal agents discovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in‌ gold bars at Menendez’s ​residence and nearly $500,000 in cash​ hidden in his clothing, closets, and a safe.

Despite the allegations, Menendez, who was indicted ⁤alongside ⁤his wife, denied the‌ charges at a press conference on⁤ Monday and refused to step down ‌from ‍his position. He also announced his intention to continue ⁤his reelection campaign‍ next year.

It is worth noting that none⁣ of the ​recipients of Menendez’s ⁣recent contributions can claim ignorance ⁢about the allegations surrounding​ the embattled lawmaker. The⁣ investigation into Menendez was exposed in news reports last year, and he has⁢ previously faced credible bribery accusations. In 2015, Menendez was indicted on charges of accepting‍ bribes from a Florida eye doctor in exchange for political favors. The case was dropped in 2018 after the jury failed to reach a verdict ‌in his⁤ trial.

New Millennium PAC made contributions to Kaine’s ​campaign on March 21, Rosen’s‌ campaign⁢ on⁢ March ​29, Manchin’s campaign on March 30, Casey’s campaign on April 10, and ‌Blunt Rochester’s campaign on June 26.⁤ None of these ‌lawmakers have called for Menendez’s ⁤resignation, and their campaigns have not responded to inquiries regarding the⁤ return of the PAC’s donations.

Casey, due ⁤to his ‌state’s⁣ proximity to New Jersey and Fetterman’s ​demand ‍for Menendez’s resignation, may face ‌the most⁣ pressure to comment ⁢on the indictment.

“Senator Menendez should​ resign. ⁣While he is entitled to ​the presumption ⁢of innocence, he cannot ⁤continue to exert influence over national policy, especially given the serious and ⁢specific nature of the allegations,”⁢ stated Fetterman on Saturday.