Today is not a good day for Senate Democrats.
First, allegations of sexual misconduct were lodged against Minnesota senator Al Franken, prompting an ethics investigation. Franken stands accused of groping and forcing himself on a radio broadcaster during a USO Tour abroad.
Both Democrats and Republicans joined together to demand an investigation into Franken’s actions.
Meanwhile, a mistrial was declared in the case against Democrat Senator Bob Menendez, who was on trial for corruption.
Menendez was triumphant coming out of the court room, and vowed to get even with his enemies:
Sen. Bob Menendez: "To those who were digging my political grave so they could jump into my seat, I know who you are and I won't forget you" https://t.co/9lKDyWyygd https://t.co/9yjFGuTZ6B
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 16, 2017
For someone who just went on trial for palling around with a prostitute-peddler, those are some pretty strong words.
But it looks like Menendez patted himself on the back too soon. As soon as the verdict was reached, Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sprang into action. He called for an ethics investigation into the New Jersey senator:
NEW: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calls for ethics investigation into Sen. Menendez's actions that led to indictment; Menendez case ended in mistrial this afternoon. https://t.co/VXI3Tl2baG pic.twitter.com/IsikbYYoXC
— ABC News (@ABC) November 16, 2017
“Because of the seriousness of these charges, I am calling on the Senate Ethics committee to immediately investigate Senator Menendez’s actions which led to his indictment,” McConnell said in the statement.
This is great news. Everyone and their mother knows that Menendez is guilty as sin. Menendez’s favor-trading with mega-donor Salomon Melgen is well-known. It’s inconceivable that the jury wouldn’t find him guilty, but, then again, the trial took place in New Jersey.
The more surprising outcome would have been for people in the deep-blue state to have found a Democrat guilty. You can call it Jersey justice.
Menendez probably thought his troubles were behind him. It looks like they are about to start up again. Hopefully Senate Republicans can dig more into Menendez’s seedy dealings and find out just how corrupt he really is.
What do you think? Is McConnell right for calling this ethics investigation? Do we need to get to the bottom of Menendez’s graft? Tell us your thoughts below!
