Bob Menendez Warns Against Distractions in Capitol Hill and Courtroom

Don’t be distracted by the shiny object.

Or 13 shiny objects — as in bars of gold bullion.

The attorneys for Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, are working to defend him against charges that he is on trial for the second time in less than a decade.

The late Republican Senator from Alaska, Ted Stevens, was tried in 2008 and convicted by a jury. However, the case was later overturned, and Stevens died in a plane crash after losing his re-election bid.

But who was the last U.S. senator on trial?

Bob Menendez in 2017.

An eye doctor was accused of giving Menendez expensive gifts in exchange for favors. The trial resulted in a hung jury.

When the case concluded, Menendez broke down, and he torched prosecutors for bringing it.

"The investigation, prosecution, and trial of this case were all conducted incorrectly, as stated by Menendez. He believes that certain elements of the FBI and state cannot comprehend or accept that a Latino kid from Union City and Hudson County can become a US senator and maintain integrity."

Menendez appeared to have found redemption after being granted a second chance in his political career.

"Today marks Resurrection Day, and I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to address you once more, as I entered this courthouse 11 weeks ago, an innocent man," Menendez stated.

He then ran for re-election in 2018 and won.

The government says that’s where trouble began.

Menedez is accused of accepting bribes from businessmen in the Garden State in exchange for favors, including operating as a foreign agent for Qatar. The feds allege that Menendez accepted gold bars from New Jersey businessman Fred Daibes in exchange for using his influence to help secure a deal with a Qatari investment fund.

Menendez's defense team aims to show that there is no direct link between the gold bars and any official favors.

Prosecutors will argue that Menendez conducted numerous internet searches to assess the value of gold bars in kilos.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee's former chairman and Menendez are being investigated for allegedly working on behalf of Egypt, with Menendez accused of writing shadow letters to try to remove a Senate hold on $300 million in military aid for Cairo.

In addition to the charges against Menendez, prosecutors allege that he accepted payments to aid Wael Hana, an Egyptian American entrepreneur, in securing a contract with the Egyptian government. Hana's objective was to have the Egyptian government verify that his imported halal meat adhered to the dietary requirements for Muslims.

Menendez argued that working with constituents was just what lawmakers do.

"The mere engagement of lawmakers with people seeking government assistance would have a chilling effect on their conversations, according to Menendez," he said. "The United States Attorney's Office is not prosecuting but persecuting. Their goal is not justice, but a victory."

Jury selection took place over several days.

On the first day, Judge Sidney Stein rejected 38 potential jurors and called in a new group of 50 prospective jurors. One of the candidates mentioned working at the Rockland County New York Humane Society as an issue with her serving on the jury.

Another said she had a non-refundable trip scheduled to Rome. Stein questioned the validity of the lack of an available refund.

A Greenwich, Conn., children's librarian was among the jury candidates. Stein later commented on that profession in a different context.

Stein stated, "That's what I would do as a children's librarian."

Negotiating terms for a federal trial for a U.S. senator is likely not significantly different from the process of rewriting a sentence.

A jury candidate disclosed their fear of heights, stating that the courtroom is situated on the 23rd floor of the Daniel P. Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan.

Another juror was unable to serve due to an ingrown toenail removal and a list of other health issues.

Stein remarked that she would be a problem after excusing her.

At least it wasn’t a hangnail.

The goal of Stein is to prevent a hung jury.

Stein informed potential jurors that some of the trial testimony may be given in Spanish and Arabic, with the aid of an interpreter.

Stein presented a list of political figures, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, and Rep. Dan Goldman, to the jury candidates. Stein advised the candidates to speak up if they know any of these figures or are familiar with them. Stein didn't say that these figures would appear as witnesses, but he did say their names may come up in the trial. None of these figures are accused of wrongdoing.

During Menendez's 2017 trial, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., was present in the courtroom on the first day to offer moral support. Booker later testified as a character witness on Menendez's behalf, alongside Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

But for this trial, Menendez appears to be on his own.

Booker stated, "I won't adhere to the daily routine. I'll be awaiting the final decision."

Senate Democrats are disappointed that Menendez has not resigned, as they had hoped. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, typically responds with the same answer when asked about Menendez's resignation or expulsion from the Senate.

"Sen. Menendez's behavior has fallen far below the Senate's standards for proper conduct," Schumer stated.

Menendez will not seek re-election as a Democrat, but he may do so as an independent. The senator has left the door open to this possibility. The filing deadline is June 4, and the trial could run through mid-July.