'Just retire already': Bob Menendez bid for independent Senate run amid Federal charges sparks online fury

WASHINGTON, DC: US Senator Bob Menendez is boldly moving to run for Senate as an independent candidate in a desperate bid to salvage his political career.

The New Jersey Democrat is currently facing federal charges of fraud, extortion, bribery, and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt between 2018 and 2022, during his tenure as chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

After withdrawing from the state’s Democratic primary, Menendez has collected signatures to secure a spot on the ballot, according to the New Jersey Globe. He needs 800 valid signatures by the June 4 deadline to access the 2024 ballot.

Menendez’s potential presence on the ballot could significantly impact the 2024 Senate races, possibly giving Republicans a strategic advantage in New Jersey.

“We’re keeping a close eye on New Jersey,” stated Mike Berg, communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Senator Bob Menendez's legal woes

This strategic maneuver might also give Menendez some leverage in his upcoming trial, which is anticipated to conclude around the end of June. Menendez has continually asserted his innocence and vowed to fight the charges.

In 2017, a similar corruption case against Menendez ended in a mistrial. Despite the financial strain from his legal battles, Menendez still possesses a campaign war chest of $3.5 million, ample resources to launch a credible campaign.

Netizens react to Senator Bob Menendez's independent Senate run in bid

A user tweeted, "Just retire already."

Another said, "No shame, no responsibility, zero self-awareness."

A third added, "This crook just won’t leave will he."

"Honestly, if he thinks running as an independent will save him, he's got another thing coming," said a commenter.

"Clearly the Dudes addicted to power !" read a tweet.

"that's probably going to cost him a couple gold bars," wrote another.

"They just want power," asserted another.

"Gathering signatures or requirements of payment to run for office harm our system and keep poor people like me from running for office," chimed a user.

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.