TL;DR but let me comment that IDGAF about Menendez. His crime is like a dust mote on the moon compared to Thomas Alito Kushner and Mnuchin. FFS let's have some perspective!
I suspect the GOPper circumspection regarding Menendez is exactly the same as when they had partied all night instead of finishing their book reports, having counted on a snowstorm that never came, but like a miracle Teacher hasn't remembered to collect the homework yet, and the uneasy hush in the classroom is nobody wanting to be the first to remind her.
"The most obvious answer is that they have nothing to gain: Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy would replace Menendez with a normal Democrat who’s not a crawling piece of slime."
As much as I'd like to believe that, as a life-long NJ resident, I've seen the NJDC do exactly that far too many times to discount the possibility. If anything, this is done so routinely I'd almost be disappointed if the Party didn't.
For example, in 2013 a pwog St. Sen. (Barbara Buono) won the gubernatorial nomination from DGA/NJDC favorite St. Sen. Pres. Steve Sweeney, childhood BFF of, and sock-puppet for, kingpin George Norcross (who now directs operations from his reserved table at Trump's Palm Beach trash palace). Instead of making the best of a bad (for the Party bosses) situation, they went out of their way to openly sabotage her campaign--first, by denying her the traditional prerogative of naming the next NJDC chair. And then did nothing while over 200 elected Dem officials publicly endorsed Christie's re-election, with hundreds more doing so tacitly.
The next year, Freeholder Amiee Belgard won the nomination for the 3rd CD seat held by the odious Tom McArthur (GOP), with then-US House Speaker dedicating $1.3M to Belgard's competitive campaign. Only to yank the funds a few crucial weeks before the election from Belgard, and dump it into the campaign of Donnie Norcross (King George's younger bro), who was comfortably ahead of his GOP opponent. Belgard lost; Norcross won.
Then there's the delightful debacle of the DNC/DCCC/NJDC elevating another Norcross puppet--one Jefferson Van Drew--from the state senate to the US House, who turned coat less than one year into his first term to become a Republican. He's also the RNC/RCCC/NJRC's favorite to run for Menendez's seat next year.
Which brings us to who the DNC/DSCC/NJDC has anointed as the (still-quasi) official favorite of the Party bosses to finish Neo-con Bob's term if he resigns, or primary him if he doesn't: Blue Dog/Problem Creator Caucus co-chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-AIPAC; Goldmine-$ucks), arguably the most reactionary, rabidly anti-progressive Democrat in Congress.
All this to say that, yes, the GOP does have something to gain by Menendez's resignation--being replaced by the next Joe Manchin or Kirsten Sinema (aka, another GOP senate seat/vote).
What I'm reading (and hearing from people I know in the district) is that George Norcross is going to primary Kim with one of his sock-puppets (St. Sen. Troy Singleton), a plausible progressive, but beholden to King George nonetheless. Also, Kim lacks the money, organization, endorsements, name recognition, personality, voting record, etc. to wage an effective statewide campaign, especially when the donors, Party leaders, and most of the M$M will be falling in line behind Gottheimer. The only credible threat to the Slosh-Gotth is Rep. Frank Pallone.
Perhaps the best explanation for Neo-con Bob's refusal to resign is it's the only bargaining card he (and his wife) have to stay out of jail, as is common with such cases, even if it means giving up all the cash, gold, cars, etc; agreeing to never hold public office again at any level (elective or appointed), foregoing his his pension and health care, surrendering his law license, etc. As long as they don't have to serve time. It's not as if he can't step into a nice, six-figure job as a lobbyist for Big Pharma or the MIC, or hit the AIPAC lecture circuit.
Republicans know he’s an embarrassment for Dems. It’s just that simple. They will highlight the double standard expectation that Dems have to be perfect and look at this hypocrisy they display with this corrupt one! Gold bars! It’s very flashy and juicy. Dude needs to be a team player and resign, no matter how guilty or innocent he might be. His explanations for his behavior have been suspect and insufficient. He resorted to identity politics as a defense, as though he’s being victimized, which is insulting to people who actually are experiencing that but who don’t have gold bars and envelopes full of cash stashed in jacket pockets in their closet. Either he’s criminal or incompetent. Neither is good.
By way of clarification, I don't have gold bars in my house. In retrospect, it is only fair to acknowledge that I have never had gold bars in my house. To the best of my recollection, I have never even seen a gold bar, only pictures of them.
I am also not a United States Senator.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I hope this will clear the air.
Speaking of Clarence Thomas, I remember his confirmation hearing when he said that he refused to listen to the testimony of Anita Hill, and later said it was all lies.
Nobody asked the obvious question, “If you refused to listen to her testimony, how do you know what she said?”
Look, I'm all for Menendez resigning, but who is the governor going to appoint to replace him? The best and most obvious candidate, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, died unexpectedly last month. Looking at the NJ congressional delegation, the most prominent members are simply too old (Bill Pascrell is 86, Bonnie Watson Coleman is 28 and Frank Pallone is 71). While it may be hilarious, he can't go with Robert Menendez Jr. because obviously. Andy Kim has announced he's running, but he would vacate a seat in a very swingy-but-not-in-a-sexy-way district, and same goes for Mikie Sherrill. From state leadership he could potentially tap NJ Sen. Pres. Nick Scutari, I guess? Any other New Jersey politics-watchers have an opinion here?
You're right, I forgot about redistricting. Both districts got more Democratic last year. Okay then, go ahead and appoint Andy then, since he's gunning for the job anyway.
Would he go for it - I have a feeling he wouldn't. But he's on our side, and plenty of NJ Republicans just love him and probably couldn't bring themselves to vote against him.
Both of my senators in the Ocean State - Reed and Whitehouse - are going the "let the people decide/due process" route. Not sure why, other than the fact that Menendez is and was close to a lot of political power players here. I'm sure the fact that Providence is pretty much controlled by "legitimate businessmen" has nothing at all to do with it.
Interestingly the only currently serving US Rep. from RI, Seth Magaziner, is calling for his resignation. He's in his early 40s so maybe his relative youth makes him less intertwined with the political machine here? Also, today I learned Rhode Island has two US congressional districts rather than one at-large representatives, as I expected. The first district has been unrepresented since May.
In California, we have two silent senators, Feinstein because, well, duh. And Padilla because he is a member of the hispanic caucus (not sure why that's a reason).
As a fellow Californian, I don't understand that. Feinstein can't do much of anything at this point, but I don't get why Padilla wouldn't call him for him to resign. It's not like they are longtime Senate buds or anything (not that it would excuse it).
Here, Mark Kelly has called for resignation. Our other senator...what the fuck is her name again? Oh well, who gives a shit what she thinks about anything.
Yeah, Bob, it has nothing to do with your background as a Cuban-American. Nothing.
TL;DR but let me comment that IDGAF about Menendez. His crime is like a dust mote on the moon compared to Thomas Alito Kushner and Mnuchin. FFS let's have some perspective!
Barring resignation, strip his committee assignments, sideline him and wait for Franken to establish residency in Jersey. (snark, obvsly)
Shumer needs to tell him it's time to go, like now.
Are they buddies from way back? Both are East Coast guys.
I suspect the GOPper circumspection regarding Menendez is exactly the same as when they had partied all night instead of finishing their book reports, having counted on a snowstorm that never came, but like a miracle Teacher hasn't remembered to collect the homework yet, and the uneasy hush in the classroom is nobody wanting to be the first to remind her.
"The most obvious answer is that they have nothing to gain: Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy would replace Menendez with a normal Democrat who’s not a crawling piece of slime."
As much as I'd like to believe that, as a life-long NJ resident, I've seen the NJDC do exactly that far too many times to discount the possibility. If anything, this is done so routinely I'd almost be disappointed if the Party didn't.
For example, in 2013 a pwog St. Sen. (Barbara Buono) won the gubernatorial nomination from DGA/NJDC favorite St. Sen. Pres. Steve Sweeney, childhood BFF of, and sock-puppet for, kingpin George Norcross (who now directs operations from his reserved table at Trump's Palm Beach trash palace). Instead of making the best of a bad (for the Party bosses) situation, they went out of their way to openly sabotage her campaign--first, by denying her the traditional prerogative of naming the next NJDC chair. And then did nothing while over 200 elected Dem officials publicly endorsed Christie's re-election, with hundreds more doing so tacitly.
The next year, Freeholder Amiee Belgard won the nomination for the 3rd CD seat held by the odious Tom McArthur (GOP), with then-US House Speaker dedicating $1.3M to Belgard's competitive campaign. Only to yank the funds a few crucial weeks before the election from Belgard, and dump it into the campaign of Donnie Norcross (King George's younger bro), who was comfortably ahead of his GOP opponent. Belgard lost; Norcross won.
Then there's the delightful debacle of the DNC/DCCC/NJDC elevating another Norcross puppet--one Jefferson Van Drew--from the state senate to the US House, who turned coat less than one year into his first term to become a Republican. He's also the RNC/RCCC/NJRC's favorite to run for Menendez's seat next year.
Which brings us to who the DNC/DSCC/NJDC has anointed as the (still-quasi) official favorite of the Party bosses to finish Neo-con Bob's term if he resigns, or primary him if he doesn't: Blue Dog/Problem Creator Caucus co-chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-AIPAC; Goldmine-$ucks), arguably the most reactionary, rabidly anti-progressive Democrat in Congress.
All this to say that, yes, the GOP does have something to gain by Menendez's resignation--being replaced by the next Joe Manchin or Kirsten Sinema (aka, another GOP senate seat/vote).
Andy Kim* (NJ-3) has already declared that he's going to primary Menendez if he doesn't resign. Kim is no Gottheimer.
What I'm reading (and hearing from people I know in the district) is that George Norcross is going to primary Kim with one of his sock-puppets (St. Sen. Troy Singleton), a plausible progressive, but beholden to King George nonetheless. Also, Kim lacks the money, organization, endorsements, name recognition, personality, voting record, etc. to wage an effective statewide campaign, especially when the donors, Party leaders, and most of the M$M will be falling in line behind Gottheimer. The only credible threat to the Slosh-Gotth is Rep. Frank Pallone.
Perhaps the best explanation for Neo-con Bob's refusal to resign is it's the only bargaining card he (and his wife) have to stay out of jail, as is common with such cases, even if it means giving up all the cash, gold, cars, etc; agreeing to never hold public office again at any level (elective or appointed), foregoing his his pension and health care, surrendering his law license, etc. As long as they don't have to serve time. It's not as if he can't step into a nice, six-figure job as a lobbyist for Big Pharma or the MIC, or hit the AIPAC lecture circuit.
Bob is not jewish, is he?
Not that I know of, but I'll let Neo-Con Bob answer in his own words: https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/senator-menendezs-remarks-at-aipac-national-convention
But if Gottheimer replaces Menendez, Kim will have an uphill fight.
Republicans know he’s an embarrassment for Dems. It’s just that simple. They will highlight the double standard expectation that Dems have to be perfect and look at this hypocrisy they display with this corrupt one! Gold bars! It’s very flashy and juicy. Dude needs to be a team player and resign, no matter how guilty or innocent he might be. His explanations for his behavior have been suspect and insufficient. He resorted to identity politics as a defense, as though he’s being victimized, which is insulting to people who actually are experiencing that but who don’t have gold bars and envelopes full of cash stashed in jacket pockets in their closet. Either he’s criminal or incompetent. Neither is good.
By way of clarification, I don't have gold bars in my house. In retrospect, it is only fair to acknowledge that I have never had gold bars in my house. To the best of my recollection, I have never even seen a gold bar, only pictures of them.
I am also not a United States Senator.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I hope this will clear the air.
Speaking of Clarence Thomas, I remember his confirmation hearing when he said that he refused to listen to the testimony of Anita Hill, and later said it was all lies.
Nobody asked the obvious question, “If you refused to listen to her testimony, how do you know what she said?”
He needs to be gone. But then, so does Santos, Jordan, Gaetz, Boebert, MTG, Lee (Mike), and quite a few more.
Look, I'm all for Menendez resigning, but who is the governor going to appoint to replace him? The best and most obvious candidate, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, died unexpectedly last month. Looking at the NJ congressional delegation, the most prominent members are simply too old (Bill Pascrell is 86, Bonnie Watson Coleman is 28 and Frank Pallone is 71). While it may be hilarious, he can't go with Robert Menendez Jr. because obviously. Andy Kim has announced he's running, but he would vacate a seat in a very swingy-but-not-in-a-sexy-way district, and same goes for Mikie Sherrill. From state leadership he could potentially tap NJ Sen. Pres. Nick Scutari, I guess? Any other New Jersey politics-watchers have an opinion here?
People from NJ have told me that both Kim's and Sherrill's districts have been redrawn to be a lot less swingy. Does this track with what you know?
You're right, I forgot about redistricting. Both districts got more Democratic last year. Okay then, go ahead and appoint Andy then, since he's gunning for the job anyway.
SPRINGSTEEN.
Would he go for it - I have a feeling he wouldn't. But he's on our side, and plenty of NJ Republicans just love him and probably couldn't bring themselves to vote against him.
At the very least, offer it to him as a placeholder.
Nothing against Kim, but I'm not keen on giving up a swing district incumbent unless they have a solid candidate in the wings to hold the seat.
If you're going to go that way, I'd offer it Jon Stewart first.
SPRINGSTEEN IS THE ONLY BOSS I LISTEN TO
Expel him from the Democratic party.
Today
If you hold indicted Senators accountable, then you also have to hold presidential candidates to the same standard.
It's a slippery slope, folks.
Of my two Democratic Senators:
Jacky Rosen, who is up for re-election in ‘24, has called for his resignation.
Catherine Cortez-Masto, who just won another term last year, is taking the “let the voters decide” position.
Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow are both calling for him to resign
Both of my senators in the Ocean State - Reed and Whitehouse - are going the "let the people decide/due process" route. Not sure why, other than the fact that Menendez is and was close to a lot of political power players here. I'm sure the fact that Providence is pretty much controlled by "legitimate businessmen" has nothing at all to do with it.
Interestingly the only currently serving US Rep. from RI, Seth Magaziner, is calling for his resignation. He's in his early 40s so maybe his relative youth makes him less intertwined with the political machine here? Also, today I learned Rhode Island has two US congressional districts rather than one at-large representatives, as I expected. The first district has been unrepresented since May.
My two NC senators are calling for more guns and guns.
In California, we have two silent senators, Feinstein because, well, duh. And Padilla because he is a member of the hispanic caucus (not sure why that's a reason).
As a fellow Californian, I don't understand that. Feinstein can't do much of anything at this point, but I don't get why Padilla wouldn't call him for him to resign. It's not like they are longtime Senate buds or anything (not that it would excuse it).
Here in Washington state both Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have stated that Menendez needs to resign.
MA, too.
Here, Mark Kelly has called for resignation. Our other senator...what the fuck is her name again? Oh well, who gives a shit what she thinks about anything.
No doubt she thinks M should resign and the gov should appoint a Repug to replace him because BIPARTISAN CENTRIST
GQPers loves them some Menendez, because he pushes P00135809's legal troubles off the front page.
OT: The Republican Party's War of America's National Defense continues.
𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 $𝟭
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-09-27/house-austin-pay-dollar-defense-budget-11513489.html
Boebert was in petulant little brat mode on the floor for this.
Does she have any other?
petulant hand-job mode
Like I said.
Well, her "rude, vaping, horny overdressed former musical attendee" might not work on the House floor.
LOL! My God. None of this would be happening if Congress and soc sec recipients quit getting checks when the gubmint 'shuts down'.
Yup.
So a week?
I've said too much.
Not the first time the Right has tried to get a black man to work for free.
This is the first time they did it to a man who was Defense Secretary, but I guess he didn't "know his place."
"Uppity".
Not one of the "good ones"!
House Republicans also decide to renege on that 13th Amendment thing.