Internet asks scandal-hit Bob Menendez to 'give up' as he plans to run as independent after quitting Democratic primary

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Bob Menendez announced he would not seek reelection as a Democrat this year but left open the possibility of running as an independent, reported the New York Post.

The Senator representing New Jersey as a Democrat since 2006 came to a decision following the federal corruption charges against him.

"The present accusations I am facing, of which I am innocent and will prove so, will not allow me to have that type of dialogue and debate with political opponents," Menendez said in a video posted on YouTube.

"You deserve to hear from those who wish to represent you about what they would do for you and your families in the future. Therefore I will not file for the Democratic party this June." he continued.

The Senator, who faces 18 criminal charges over bribery offenses, had a deadline of March 25 to collect the necessary 1000 signatures to enter the ballot.

Bob Menendez hopeful to run as an independent

Continuing his video message, the New Jersey Senator said, "I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election."

The trial for the 18-count bribery charges against him, his wife, Nadine Menendez, and three business associates is scheduled to start on May 6.

He is accused, along with the co-defendants, of receiving bribes worth more than $150,000 in gold bars, cash payments of $566,000, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and other luxury gifts to help businessmen Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes. The prosecutors also alleged that the Senator served as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government.

Since the Democratic primary in his Senate seat will take place on June 4, the possibility for Menendez to run as an independent candidate is open if the federal charges get absolved and 800 signatures are collected to enter the ballot.

Rep Andy Kim and New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy are in the Democratic primary race to replace Menendez from the blue state in the Senate.

Internet says Bob Menendez running as independent candidate is 'incredibly selfish'

Weighing in on Menendez's decision to stay away from the Democratic race for his Senate reelection bid and instead explore the possibility of an independent candidacy, a majority of netizens opined he should not run for Congress again.

One user wrote, "Don’t run @SenatorMenendez. You’ve cooked your goose. Let another qualified, younger Democrat carry your seat further. Running as an Independent is just an incredibly selfish only to feed your ego."

"Cause he knows he’ll lose!" another yser remarked.

A third user added, "Bowing out must be the compromise he reached with the Democratic party leadership in exchange for their continued silence on his case. I'm sure those 25k watches he got were shared with senior members of the party like Schumer," referring to the bribery prosecution against him.

"Please go sit down you are as shameless as Trump," a fourth response read.

Someone else said, "Of course, he will run. Can't let all that corruption just sit still." Whereas another one said, "Dude, give it up. No one is voting for you."

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.