The Justice Department has moved to dismiss the indictment against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. The story was first reported by POLITICO’s Ryan Hutchins.
The DOJ decision comes after a federal judge tossed many of the charges filed against the New Jersey Senator.
Menendez has already consolidated party support, and the absence of another prolonged trial puts the Democrat in a strong position to win re-election.
The last time Republicans won a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey was in 1972 – Democrats have won the last fifteen. Two Republicans, Richard Pezzullo and Dana Wefer, are already in the race; two more, pharma millionaire Bob Hugin and 2014 candidate Brian Goldberg, are expected to enter the race next month.
The Senate Ethics Committee is expected to review the issue.