Ed Morrissey

If this is an attempt to extend his fundraising access all the way to November -- rather than have it cut off after he loses a Dem primary -- it's sheer desperation. Menendez is barely raising any funds at all these days, which is hardly surprising given the allegations of corruption. It might be a last-ditch attempt to get other Dems out of the primary, as an independent run could theoretically help Republicans in the race. But Menendez would have to actually get enough votes to matter, and even in New Jersey the stench of corruption has likely put the kibosh on those prospects.