FEC filings show Bob Menendez has $3.5M campaign fund despite $2M spent on legal bills, Internet dubs him ‘most corrupt’

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who is currently facing legal challenges and considering an independent reelection bid, maintains a substantial campaign fund as he battles his indictment in court.

Despite spending approximately $2 million in legal fees, Menendez's campaign holds $3.57 million in cash reserves, as reported in the filing with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday, May 23.

During the period from the beginning of April to May 15, Menendez’s campaign raised about $19,632 and incurred expenditures of $2.1 million, with the largest sum, $2 million, paid to the law firm Paul Hastings for “legal services”, according to the New York Post.

The filing also indicates that Menendez had $5.67 million in cash on hand at the start of April. His revenue comprised contributions from over a dozen donors and interest revenue amassed from multiple banks.

What are the charges brought against Sen Bob Menendez?

In March this year, Senator Bob Menendez announced that he wouldn’t seek a fourth full Senate term as a Democrat, but kept the hope alive to run as an independent provided he gets “exonerated” on federal corruption charges.

The New Jersey Democrat is facing 18 criminal counts on charges of corruption, bribery, and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt and Qatar.

Sen Menendez and his spouse have been alleged to have received gold bars, a convertible Mercedes-Benz, and other presents from a group of New Jersey businessmen in return for political favors.

He has pleaded not guilty and his trial is ongoing, with his defense attorney employing a unique strategy last week to instead put the blame on Menendez’s wife, Nadine.

Menendez’s lawyer Avi Weitzman said during his opening statement last week, “Where were the gold bars found? [The] gold bars were found in a locked closet. It is Nadine’s closet.”

Nadine was initially set to stand trial alongside her husband. However, since that trial has been postponed, she has disclosed a breast cancer diagnosis and her decision to undergo a mastectomy.

Since the incumbent senator declined to go for reelection as a Democrat, Rep Andy Kim (D-NJ) is widely expected to secure the party's nomination during the June 4 primary. The potential Republican candidate will also be determined on the same day.

If Menendez chooses to run as an independent, he must obtain 800 signatures by June 4.

In 2017, Menendez successfully defended himself against numerous bribery charges following a hung jury and was reelected in 2018.

Despite calls from numerous Republicans and even some Democrats like Sen John Fetterman (D-Penn.) for him to resign from his Senate position, the Garden State senator has refused to let up.

Polls indicate that he would face significant opposition from voters in his home state if he chooses to enter the Senate race once again.

Internet chastises Sen Bob Menendez as he accrued $3.5M in campaign funds despite $2M spent on legal bills

Sen Bob Menendez faced several backlash online after his Federal Election Commission filings were revealed.

One X user remarked, "Get him out of Congress."

Another user said, "He is one of the most corrupt of them all."

Another user claimed, "The tiny little state of New Jersey is a great big huge cesspool of corruption... that's why it is known originally as the "Armpit of America.""

One user wrote, "He can be like Trump and use that cash to pay his lawyers."

Another X user argued, "He's a democrat so he won't be going to jail. He will get off like they all do."

Another user asked, "How the hell are these criminals like Bob and Trump, use campaign donations to pay their lawyer fees for crimes they personally committed ???"

Finally, this user tweeted, "US senator takes bribes. US senator gets indicted. US senator then uses campaign funds to pay for his lawyers. US senator either gets sent to prison or is acquitted. US voters:"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.