Menendez to Senate Dems: I'm not leaving

Embattled U.S. senator Bob Menendez (N.J.) told his Democratic colleagues on Thursday that he will not resign, a day after he pleaded not guilty to federal charges of accepting bribes, fellow Democratic senator Joe Manchin (W.Va.) said.

Menendez made that pledge during a closed-door meeting with members of his caucus, Manchin told reporters after leaving the meeting.

[Not surprising, at least for now. Menendez will have a tough time raising money for a re-election bid now, though, and whatever he has raised will likely pay for his attorneys. Andy Kim will get a large running start for his primary challenge, and may end up with a lot of cash from Menendez’ Senate colleagues. — Ed]