WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., will file Monday to run for re-election to the Senate as an independent, according to two sources with direct knowledge of his plans.
NBC News previously reported that the three-term senator had gathered enough signatures to run as an independent for another term in the Senate as he faces trial on federal bribery charges. His presentation comes one day before the state’s deadline for independent candidates and allows him to collect fewer signatures and still access the ballot; the deadline to run as a Democrat has passed.
The New Jersey Globe first reported which Menendez plans to present on Monday.
Menendez’s decision to run for re-election also allows him to continue raising and spending campaign funds on legal fees in the midst of the ongoing corruption trial. Menendez denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.
Menendez’ appearance also comes on the eve of the state’s primary, where Rep. Andy Kim is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination for his seat. Kim had previously warned that a Menendez run as an independent could put the deep blue state in play in November.
Also on Tuesday, Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez, the senator’s son, faces a competitive race in the 8th District against Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
A pro-Bhalla outside group called America’s Promise PAC launched a TV ad tying Rob Menendez to his father’s trial, with a narrator saying, “They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. So it’s no wonder Rob Menendez is defending his father’s corruption,” he later added that the congressman is “rotten to the core.” (Rob Menendez has not been accused of any impropriety.)
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
