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Democrats rush to express support for indicted Sen. Bob Menendez
(AP Photo/Mel Evans)In this March 1, 2013, file photo, Sen. Robert Menendez listens during a news conference, at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J.
A slew of Garden State Democrats rushed to issue statements of support for Sen. Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) on Wednesday shortly after he was indicted on federal corruption charges.
The New Jersey Democratic State Committee released several of the statements in a press release just after news of the indictment broke wherein it also announced the launch of an "@IStandWithBob" Twitter account and hashtag.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) was the highest ranking official to quickly express support for Menendez.
"Senator Menendez has never wavered in his commitment to the people of New Jersey. He’s been an invaluable resource and a mentor to me since I arrived in the Senate," said Booker, who took office in 2013. "Our system of justice is designed to be fair and impartial, and it presumes innocence before guilt. I won’t waver in my commitment to stand alongside my senior Senator to serve our great state. Our nation and state face critical issues and I will continue to partner with Senator Menendez to take on the challenges before us."
Menendez was charged on 14 counts with crimes that included conspiracy, bribery, fraud, and making false statements. The allegations stem from his relationship with his longtime friend and donor, Dr. Salomon Melgen. Last month, CNN reported the indictment was imminent. At the time, Menendez and his office issued statements denying the senator engaged in any wrongdoing.
Rep. Albio Sires (D-New Jersey), who represents the state's 8th congressional district, echoed Booker when he pointed to the presumption of innocence in the US legal system.
"Bob Menendez and I have worked together for years to improve the lives of New Jerseyans. When you look at his work, making laws that give working families the support that they need and ensuring that our communities have the resources they need, it's clear that he will never stop fighting for our state," Sires said. "All Americans, not just Senator Menendez, are entitled to a presumption of innocence. These charges are just an accusation. My friend, Bob Menendez is not going anywhere. I know that he will get through this and nothing will distract him from doing what he does best, fighting for New Jersey.”
In his statement, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (D) took a similar tack. Fulop also said the reports charges were coming came from a "suspicious leak." He implied this leak undermines the credibility of the indictment.
"I'll say today the same exact thing I said two weeks ago when a suspicious leak started this conversation. Anyone who makes an assumption here is underestimating Senator Menendez. The Senator has been a voice on international issues that has kept NJ safe, and has been an advocate for issues that impact working families in NJ every single day," Fulop said. "Accusations unfortunately are nothing new in government and Senator Menendez, as all Americans are, is entitled to a presumption of innocence and that is what we should adhere today based on his demonstrated history of service, lack of facts, and circumstances surrounding leaked information."
New Jersey Democratic Party Chairman John Currie said he expected Menendez to mount a "robust defense" in his statement on the indictment.
"Senator Menendez is a friend, and more importantly, a life-long public servant and advocate committed to helping the residents of New Jersey. In fact, there is no one in Congress more committed to fixing our broken immigration system and addressing other important issues facing our nation. The Senator has told me personally that none of his actions were inappropriate or unlawful, and I truly believe him. During this difficult time for him and his family, I will continue to proudly stand with my friend Bob Menendez," Currie said, adding, "I trust that Senator Menendez will mount a robust defense against the Justice Department's charges and I look forward to a day when these charges are fully adjudicated, and we can put all these allegations behind us."
Other local Democrats also issued statements support Menendez, but Garden State politicians weren't the only ones to line up behind the embattled senator.
The New Jersey Democratic State Committee included a statement from Chicago Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Illinois) in its press release about the indictment. In it, Gutierrez praised Menendez's status as a Latino leader.
"Bob Menendez has never given me any reason to question his integrity, his dedication to honest public service or his commitment to the American people. As a leader in the House and in the Senate, he has been a key ally in fighting for sensible immigration reform and a touchstone for all matters related to Latinos in this country," Gutierrez said. "He is a friend who is quick with advice, encouragement and good ideas. I am particularly proud of his leadership on foreign policy matters related to Latin America. My hope is that these legal matters are resolved quickly so he can go back to concentrating 100 percent on his service to the people of New Jersey and the United States."
As of this writing, the @IStandWithBob Twitter account has 16 followers.
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