Democrats are pressuring Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) to resign after he was found guilty of corruption.
The guilty verdict has added to Democrat woes and intra-party disarray since President Joe Biden’s abysmal debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
Democrat leadership swiftly responded to the guilty verdict by demanding Senator Menendez abdicate his senate seat.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for Menendez to step down.
“In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign,” said Senator Schumer.
Menendez has not stated whether he will heed his superiors’ advice.
The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres reported earlier this year that Menendez declared he would not resign from his post despite his original indictment.
"I will continue to cast votes on behalf of the people of New Jersey as I have for 18 years. And I am sure when they need those votes, they’ll be looking for it, for me to catch those votes," said Sen. Menendez.
Menendez was found guilty of 18 different corruption and bribery charges, which could amount to life in prison.
The Department of Justice litigator for Menendez’s case, US Attorney Damian Williams, commended the case’s outcome.
“Because Senator Menendez has now been found guilty, his years of selling his office to the highest bidder have finally come to an end,” said Attorney Williams.
Menendez accepted nearly $500,000 in cash, a luxury vehicle, home furnishings, and gold bars from the Egyptian government.
“Corruption isn’t costless: it erodes public trust, and it undermines the rule of law. That’s why we’re so committed to fighting it, regardless of political party,” concluded Williams.
