Democrats Mull Expelling Menendez Post-Bribery Conviction

Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has shown no intention of resigning from the Senate despite his conviction on bribery charges. This leaves Democratic senators considering an expulsion effort to remove him from office. Menendez, a Democrat, has six months left in his term, but his colleagues have made it clear they want him out sooner.

After the guilty verdict on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called for Menendez's resignation. Murphy, who would appoint Menendez's replacement, stated that the Senate should expel Menendez if he refuses to step down. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority and is a rare action in the Senate.

Senate Ethics Committee Investigation

The Senate Ethics Committee announced it would "promptly" complete an investigation into Menendez that began when he was first indicted. The committee also indicated that recommending expulsion to the Senate was an option. Historically, such recommendations have led to voluntary resignations before a full Senate vote.

Senator Cory Booker, New Jersey's other Democratic senator, expressed his intent to lead efforts to remove Menendez if he does not resign voluntarily. "He must stand up now and leave the Senate. He must do that, and if he refuses to do that, many of us, but I will lead that effort to make sure he is removed from the Senate," Booker told MSNBC.

Democratic Pressure Mounts

As the November election nears, Democrats' desire to distance themselves from Menendez grows stronger. Senators Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Jon Tester of Montana, and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin have already voiced support for expulsion. If Menendez resigns or is expelled, Governor Murphy will appoint his successor.

Menendez was found guilty of accepting bribes in gold and cash from three New Jersey businessmen and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. Despite this, he did not comment on his political future but vowed to appeal the verdict. "I have never violated my public oath. I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country," Menendez told reporters.

Potential Replacements

Several prominent New Jersey Democrats have suggested Rep. Andy Kim as a potential replacement for Menendez. Kim, a third-term congressman who won his party's nomination for the Senate seat, said he would accept if offered the position. His strength in the race led Tammy Murphy, Governor Murphy's wife, to withdraw from the primary.

Governor Murphy has ruled out appointing his wife to the seat during a radio interview in October. A spokesperson for the governor stated on Wednesday that he would not comment on potential replacements for Menendez.

Menendez stepped down as chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee while under indictment but continued attending classified briefings. This move frustrated fellow senators who mostly ostracized him in daily Senate activities. Over half of the Senate Democratic caucus called for his resignation.

The last serious consideration of expulsion by the Senate was nearly 30 years ago. Only 15 senators have ever been expelled, most during the Civil War era. An individual senator could move to hold a snap vote on expulsion for Menendez, though any senator could block this effort.

The appetite among Democrats to rid themselves of a tarnished colleague will only increase as elections approach. The pressure on Menendez to step aside voluntarily will intensify with each passing day.