This move comes in the wake of Menendez’s conviction on 16 felony counts of bribery and corruption, which involved accepting cash and gold in exchange for political favors benefiting three businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar, AzVision.az reports citing foreign media. 

Political analysts and close associates of Menendez suggest that his resignation and withdrawal from the upcoming Senate race are strategic moves to bolster his chances of receiving a pardon or a reduction in his sentence. Menendez, who faces a potential sentence of over 200 years, had been running as an independent but withdrew last week, clearing the path for Democratic frontrunner Andy Kim to secure the seat.

Sources indicate that Menendez’s resignation may be his last bargaining chip. Staying in the race could have risked splitting the Democratic vote and possibly leading to a Republican victory. His wife, Nadine Arslanian, also faces corruption and bribery charges, but her trial has been postponed as she receives treatment for breast cancer.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has appointed George Helmy, Menendez’s former chief of staff, to temporarily fill the Senate seat starting in September.

Despite Menendez’s legal woes, he and Arslanian have been seen dining out regularly, seemingly unfazed by the situation. Menendez’s conviction may lead to the loss of his health benefits and pension under the Stock Act, which penalizes lawmakers convicted of corruption-related crimes by forfeiting their retirement benefits.

Menendez was convicted last month in Manhattan federal court after a nearly three-month trial, where he was found guilty of accepting bribes including cash, gold bars, and a luxury car. Scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, Menendez plans to appeal the conviction, maintaining his innocence and blaming his wife for his connections with the businessmen involved.

Political analysts, including Hank Sheinkopf, believe that Menendez’s chances for a pardon are slim, as it could be used against Democrats by Republicans. The decision on a potential pardon may come after the November 5 election.

AzVision.az

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