The end of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez’s political career apparently will come Aug. 20, when the three-term senator from New Jersey — once one of the most powerful political figures in the country — is expected to resign, according to multiple media reports.
The move has been expected — or, at least, pushed for by many — since Menendez (D-N.J.) was convicted on July 16 on of 16 federal charges, including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.
His troubles are far from over.
Menendez, 70, will be sentenced Oct. 29 — and faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in jail. Menendez has promised a vigorous appeal.
His expected resignation from the Senate, which was beginning a review that could have led to a recommendation to expel him from the body, was first reported by the New Jersey Globe.
If Menendez resigns, Gov. Phil Murphy would have the duty to replace him.
Murphy has not tipped his hand on anyone he is considering. His wife, first lady Tammy Murphy, who briefly ran for the nomination, certainly is a possibility. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3rd Dist.), who won the Democratic nomination and will face Republican Curtis Bashaw in November, certainly is an option, too.
Some have suggested Murphy pick Kim, which would give him seniority over any other new senators, should he win in November.
The Senate, currently in session, goes on recess Aug. 5 — and returns in September. Whoever Murphy were to pick to succeed Menendez would serve for four months.
