New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, convicted of bribery and performing as a international agent final month, is scheduled to resign in a single week, and Gov. Phil Murphy has not divulged who he’ll identify to take the senior senator’s place.
By Sophie Nieto-Munoz, for the New Jersey Monitor
In a CNN interview Tuesday morning, Murphy mentioned he’s within the “final stages” of choosing Menendez’s interim successor, who would change the senator till his time period ends Jan. 3. Murphy mentioned he’ll select “somebody who’s got Jersey first in everything they do.”
“I promise, folks, it’ll be someone who will stand up for New Jersey’s values and interests, and do a heck of a job,” he mentioned.
Menendez introduced final month that he’ll resign from the Senate efficient Aug. 20. The senator, who was discovered responsible of taking bribes in trade for wielding his affect in international issues and home prison circumstances, has maintained his innocence however mentioned he doesn’t need his authorized battle to detract from the Senate’s work.
Murphy famous Tuesday that first woman Tammy Murphy—who waged a quick marketing campaign to win election to the Senate earlier this 12 months—has mentioned she doesn’t need to be thought-about for the appointment.
“Beyond that, I’m going to have to leave you hanging,” the governor informed CNN Information Central host Kate Bolduan.
U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-03) and Republican Curtis Bashaw will face off in November for the prospect to symbolize New Jersey within the Senate beginning subsequent 12 months. As of Tuesday, Menendez can be operating in November’s election as an unbiased candidate. The deadline for him to withdraw is Friday.
Republicans have urged Murphy to not appoint Kim and as an alternative choose a caretaker who shouldn’t be within the job past the non permanent appointment.
Some Democrats are urging Murphy to decide on Patricia Campos-Medina, a progressive labor chief who opposed Kim for the Democratic nomination for Senate in June. About 4 dozen folks despatched a letter to Murphy final week saying he ought to use his appointment energy “to recognize the importance of the Latino community.” Menendez was revered by the neighborhood.
Paterson Councilman Luis Velez is amongst those that signed the letter. He mentioned Campos-Medina would “bring the peace that the Democratic Party needs at this time.”
“I think she deserves to be there. She’s a hard-working woman, and she will represent the community quite well,” he mentioned.
Velez famous that Campos-Medina completed second in June’s major behind Kim, garnering about 16% of the vote.
If appointed to the seat, Campos-Medina would turn out to be the primary lady, and the primary Latina, to symbolize New Jersey within the U.S. Senate.
Campos-Medina mentioned she’s honored by the groundswell of neighborhood leaders’ assist for to be named to the Senate.
“This is the Governor’s choice to make, but of course, I am ready to serve if asked to give stability to this critical position at this critical time in our politics,” she mentioned in a press release. “I ran for office to make sure women and New Jersey working families had a voice in this election. I will continue doing so as an active public servant and leader.”
