Menendez to Run as Independent Amid Bribery Trial
Democrats Urge Resignation
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced Thursday that he will run for reelection as an independent, despite facing bribery charges in an ongoing trial.
The move comes as Democrats increase pressure on Menendez to resign, with several senators calling for him to step down. Menendez has denied the charges and has said he will not resign.
Menendez is facing trial in federal court in New York on charges that he accepted bribes from a Florida eye doctor in exchange for political favors. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
If convicted, Menendez could face up to 20 years in prison. He has said that he is confident he will be acquitted.
Menendez's decision to run as an independent could make it more difficult for him to win reelection. He will not have the support of the Democratic Party, which has a strong organization in New Jersey.
However, Menendez has a strong personal following in New Jersey and has been reelected twice before. He is also counting on the support of independent voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate in New Jersey.
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