Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday, when asked if Sen. Bob Menendez should be expelled if he is convicted in his federal bribery trial, joked that he was glad that the New Jersey Democrat was not in the GOP.
“Should Sen. Menendez be expelled if he's convicted at his trial?” a reporter asked.
“Look, I'm really glad he's not a Republican,” said the minority leader.
The senator faces 16 criminal charges for allegedly taking bribes — including gold bars, cash and a luxury car — acting as a foreign agent on behalf of Egypt, and assisting the government of Qatar.
He has rejected calls to resign and, while he said he won’t run in the state’s primary for his current seat, he has left open the possibility for an independent run following his trial.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys selected a full jury on Wednesday and began opening statements.
Nadine Menendez, who is also charged in the international bribery scheme, will be tried later separately from her husband, because of medical issues she has recently experienced.
