Corruption Trial For NJ Senator

Bob Menendez, New Jersey’s senior Senator and a hero to right wing Cubans who oppose normalization of relations with their home island, is facing multiple counts of bribery, conspiracy, and fraud.The trial begins Sept. 6 in federal court. He stands accused of accepting gifts in exchange for using his political influence to help his friend, a Florida doctor. Menendez denies the charges, and calls his activities normal constituent service.The prosecution claims he intervened to secure immigrant visas for the doctor’s girlfriends, and to settle a Medicare billing dispute involving his practice. Menendez became well-known in NJ for fighting public corruption. He chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.