Sen. Bob Menendez told his Democratic colleagues at a private luncheon Thursday what he has said through press statements and a public appearance since he was indicted with his wife on federal bribery charges last week: He does not intend to resign.
Menendez’s rejection of calls from more than half the Senate’s Democratic caucus — including fellow New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker and much of the state party’s power structure — did not produce any immediate impact.
Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., said Menendez told the caucus he would not resign and did not answer questions about the charges, which allege Menendez and his wife got cash, gold and a Mercedes-Benz convertible from three businessmen in exchange for Menendez using his office to help the businessmen and the government of Egypt.
