Trenton, NJ – They always say politics makes strange bedfellows, but in this case, not so strange. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie joined Governor Phil Murphy in solidarity today, along with U.S. Congressman Tom Kean to call for the resignation of disgraced U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.
Following the conviction of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez on corruption charges, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has joined Governor Phil Murphy and Tom Kean Jr. in urging Menendez to resign. Menendez was found guilty on July 16 of all 16 counts against him, including accepting bribes in exchange for providing secret information and military aid to Egypt.
With Menendez’s conviction, a vacancy in the U.S. Senate seat is anticipated either through resignation or expulsion. Drawing from historical precedent, Christie and others advocate for an appointment that removes electoral politics from the process, allowing voters a clear choice in the upcoming November election.
With the conviction of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez of corruption. it is very likely a vacancy in one of New Jersey’s U.S. Senate seats will occur either due to resignation by or expulsion of Senator Menendez. Forty-two years ago, U.S. Senator Harrison Williams resigned his office after being convicted of corruption.
At that time, Governor Tom Kean, with an election within months for the U.S. Senate seat. appointed someone who would not run for the office. Nicholas Brady, a future U.S. Treasury Secretary, filled the seat temporarily with great integrity and electoral politics was removed from the process. Thirty-one years later. U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg died in office creating a vacancy. With an election again occurring within months of the vacancy. Governor Christie followed the example set by Governor Kean and made an appointment which would remove electoral politics from the decision. Governor Christie appointed N.J. Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa to the seat.
General Chiesa also served with great integrity and committed to not running for the seat in the election. We urge Governor Murphy to follow this New Jersey tradition of letting the voters decide. The voters should have a f ree choice in November. unencumbered by any political influence from the Governor’s office. Given recent events. we believe this is a New Jersey tradition which should be followed for the benefit of all New Jersey voters this November.
Chris Christie, Phil Murphy, Tom Kean, Jr.
Governor Murphy has reiterated his call for Menendez to step down, emphasizing the integrity of the Senate and national security as primary concerns. Should Menendez resign, Murphy will appoint a temporary replacement to serve until the election.
