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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
MacKenzie Ryan

‘Comes with the job’: why political corruption is a rite of passage in New Jersey

Bob Menendez leaves court in New York City on 27 September.
Bob Menendez leaves court in New York City on 27 September. Photograph: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images

“In Jersey, anything’s legal as long as you don’t get caught,” croons Bob Dylan in the Traveling Wilburys’ song, Tweeter and the Monkey Man. “As a Native New Jerseyan, I think, ‘How dare you say that? But, it’s absolutely true,” said Derek Arnold, a senior instructor at Villanova University who researches political scandals.

New Jersey senator Bob Menendez was federally indicted for bribery last month by the US attorney’s office, southern district of New York, which alleges he received gold bars, cash and a luxury convertible in exchange for political favors to three local businessmen. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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