Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) Should Resign

One thing I argued in my discussion on 14A, sec. 3 is that the disqualification provision does not require a criminal conviction. 

Neither does the decision it is time to resign or be unworthy of political office. In recent years, at times this got absurd, including a sitting governor and non-criminal acts he did in the early 1980s. But, the principle holds. 

Menendez can no longer serve as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee per Senate Democratic Conference rules, which bar members charged with a felony from serving as committee chairs.

Bob Menendez has been dubious for years. The fact he isn't SO guilty that he wasn't convicted is duly noted. Low bar, especially given how much the Supreme Court (and often not 6-3) has made it hard to uphold corruption laws.  

It's time to go. The governor of New Jersey and others are saying so. Yes, some top Dems in Congress are not. I don't expect Schumer to publicly say so if his coalition is split. But, many Democrats are. No "both sides do it" here, except that there is some corruption. Democrats do not think "anything goes" as long as it's our guy in power.

Again, maybe he will not be convicted.  This won't be a full exoneration.  The charges here will not disappear.  The fact people will only think there is "clear and convincing" or something evidence won't make me feel much better.   We need a high level of integrity in our public officials.  

The procedure would be for the current governor, a Democrat, to fill any Senate vacancy.  Control in the Senate won't change. We will also have another Democrat fully able to do their jobs.  

At the very least, it would be a good idea for him to say that he will not run for re-election next year.  New Jersey is a Senate seat the Democrats can win, but a tainted candidate like him is not a lock by any means.

Joe Manchin is aggravating but it's West Virginia. Sinema is horrible too but she was elected when Arizona looked to be a long shot (it still is a close call, helped by MAGA purists being tossed out there).  But, New Jersey is different.  Let's get a better fellow senator for Cory Booker.  

ETA: A few more, including (seems like a bit of a tipping point) Booker himself, have called him to resign.  

Talking Points Memo has a piece entitled about it might "not matter" if he doesn't since he can still be primaried. Stupid title since he still be around for over a year with all the energy and bad vibes that will bring.