An uphill fight…
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez is reportedly planning to run for re-election as an Independent despite being under active investigation for his role in a foreign bribery scandal.
According to the New Jersey Globe, Menendez plans to file paperwork to run as independent before the June 4 deadline. From the Globe‘s report:
The New Jersey Globe first reported that Menendez is circulating petitions – in some cases gathering signatures on his own. He also activated a group of old friends from his 1980s campaigns, including Matteo Perez, Sr., to help him. NBC News reported last week that Menendez had obtained the 800 signatures he needed.
The New Jersey Globe has confirmed that Menendez has no campaign staff and is managing his own race.
In March, NBC reported that the main objective of an independent bid for reelection would be to raise money to help pay for his considerable legal expenses. The New Jersey lawmaker's lack of campaign infrastructure seems to bolster NBC's report. (RELATED: Sen. Menendez Might Run For Reelection As Independent To Help With Legal Bills)
“I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,” Menendez said in March. “I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in a general election.” (RELATED: Senator Menendez, Foreign Policy Heavyweight, Won't Run Again As A Democrat)
Menendez and his wife Nadine Menendez are each facing 18 federal counts for allegedly accepting bribes in exchange for influencing U.S. policy to benefit the Egyptian and Qatari governments.
Last week, moderate Senator Joe Manchin (W.V.) announced his exit from the Democrat Party and his registration as an Independent.
READ NEXT: Trump's Conviction Turns Cash Cow: $200M Raised, Eric Tells Fox News