Governor Phil Murphy and Democratic Leaders Call for Senator Menendez’s Resignation Following Bribery Charges

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and other prominent Democratic leaders, including the Assembly Speaker and the Democratic State Committee chairman, are urging U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to resign in light of his federal bribery charges, citing serious concerns about national security and the integrity of the criminal justice system (Photo: NJ)

Governor Phil Murphy’s Strong Stance During Senator Menendez’s Bribery Scandal

According to cnbc.com, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the state’s General Assembly speaker, and the Democratic State Committee chairman all called on U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to resign Friday after their fellow Democrat was indicted on federal bribery charges. Governor Phil Murphy said about Menendez, the state’s senior senator, “The allegations in the indictment against Senator Menendez and four other defendants are deeply disturbing.”

“These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system,” continued Governor Phil Murphy. “The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state. Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation,” declared Governor Phil Murphy.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, echoing Governor Phil Murphy’s sentiments, stated, “The charges laid out against Senator Menendez today go against everything we should believe as public servants.” Coughlin added that Menendez must resign to “allow New Jersey, and America, to move forward,” aligning with Governor Phil Murphy’s call for action.

READ ALSO: Consumer Confidence Index Rises Amid Cost-of-Living Concerns and Economic Outlook Improvements

Governor Phil Murphy’s Influence Grows as Democratic Leaders Rally for Menendez’s Resignation

Democratic State Committee chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr., emphasized the importance of Governor Phil Murphy’s request, stating that Menendez should step down “in the interest of ensuring that New Jerseyans continue to be granted the federal representation that they deserve.”

Jones also noted the upcoming state legislative elections in November and said Menendez’s resignation would allow the Democratic party “to keep its focus” on state-level races, aligning his stance with Governor Phil Murphy’s.Two New Jersey Democrats in Congress, U.S. Reps. Andy Kim and Mikie Sherrill, also joined Governor Phil Murphy in calling on Menendez to resign.

Chuck Schumer supports Menendez, saying he’s been a dedicated public servant. New Jersey’s Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, is concerned about the allegations and is reviewing the situation, but he also mentioned that some of the events happened before he took office. His office is cooperating with the investigation and conducting its own internal inquiry.

READ ALSO: Latest Cost of Living Adjustment Forecast: How Much SSA Benefits Could Increase Next Year