New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez to resign Aug. 20, reports say
USA TodayJul 20
Menendez to Resign US Senate Seat
Above: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Image copyright: Adam Gray/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez has informed his state's governor he intends to resign from office effective Aug. 20 in light of his conviction earlier this month on 16 felony bribery counts.
Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who will pick Menendez's temporary replacement, Tuesday confirmed he received the senator's resignation letter.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
There's no room for convicted felons in the Democratic Party. It's about time the party leaders were able to convince Menendez to resign despite the lack of a rule to force him out. With the Senate majority hanging by a thread and Democrats trying to defeat another convicted felon, former Pres. Donald Trump, for the White House, this eliminates what could've been a large distraction.
Republican narrative
Let's face it, Democrats tolerated Menendez's presence — putting national security at risk — for quite a while, considering he was previously accused of similar charges during the Obama administration. That they're finally getting rid of him nearly a decade later is not an accomplishment to be proud of.