In a recent poll conducted by the Stockton Polling Institute of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy, it was found that a majority of New Jersey voters have an unfavorable view of Democratic Senator Bob Menendez. The poll also revealed that more than half of the voters want him to resign from his post. Menendez and his wife, Nadine, were recently charged by the Justice Department in a bribery scheme. The allegations suggest that Menendez acted as a foreign agent for Egypt.
The charges against Menendez have gained significant attention in New Jersey, with approximately 80% of residents being familiar with the case. However, 1 in 5 had little to no knowledge of the charges. The poll showed that 71% of voters want Menendez to resign, while only 8% support his continuation in office. Notably, both Democrats and Republicans share the belief that he should step down, with 78% and 79% support, respectively.
The survey, conducted from October 9-18, involved 630 New Jersey adult residents and utilized a combination of text invitations and phone calls. The data was weighted based on U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2021 data for New Jersey, considering variables like age, race, education level, and sex. The margin of error for the poll was +/- 3.9 percentage points.
Menendez now faces an additional charge of acting as a foreign agent and accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to benefit the Egyptian government. The superseding indictment, filed by a grand jury in Manhattan, accuses the senator of using his power and influence as a senator to aid the Egyptian government. Menendez has denied the new charges and maintains his loyalty to the United States.
It is important to note that Menendez has a history of blocking Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) reform bills. FARA is a federal law that requires individuals acting as agents of foreign principals to disclose their relationship and activities. Menendez’s alleged involvement in acting as a foreign agent raises questions about his previous opposition to FARA reform.
In 2018, Menendez’s wife was involved in a tragic accident where she hit and killed a pedestrian while driving. Although unrelated to the bribery charges, this incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding Menendez’s personal life.
The indictment against Menendez states that he provided sensitive U.S. government information and took other actions that aided the Government of Egypt. The document also highlights Menendez’s alleged corrupt demands, seeking and accepting something of value in return for being influenced in the performance of his official duties.
As the news unfolds, it remains to be seen how Menendez will respond to the calls for his resignation and the pending legal proceedings. The public and political landscape in New Jersey are closely watching this case, which has significant implications for the state’s political future.
Jamie Joseph, a writer who covers politics, leads the Digital coverage of the Senate. Stay updated with the latest developments from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content by subscribing to our newsletter.
