Sen. John Fetterman has persistently criticized Sen. Bob Menendez, urging him to seek reelection in light of allegations of involvement as a foreign agent. Following his endorsement of Rep. Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, in the Democratic primary for Mr. Menendez's seat, Mr. Fetterman's recent statement can be seen as a provocation.
"I am challenging Menedez to run for reelection," stated Mr. Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, in an interview with CNN on Friday.
In a surprising move, the lawmaker's endorsement sets him apart as the first Senate Democrat to enter the highly publicized primary race. This contest pits Mr. Kim against New Jersey's first lady, Tammy Murphy. Several Pennsylvania Democrats in the House have expressed their support for Mr. Kim. Mr. Fetterman praised the three-term House Democrat, describing him as a person of integrity.
"I feel a strong sense of security, knowing that he does not possess any gold bars hidden beneath his mattress, and that he will never face allegations of being a foreign agent for Egypt or Qatar," stated Mr. Fetterman in his recent endorsement announcement. Mr. Fetterman has previously taken aim at his embattled colleague, making his recent public challenge unsurprising.
Following a federal indictment that accused the lawmaker, along with his wife and business associates, of accepting cash and gold bars as bribes for aiding the Egyptian government, he became the first Democrat to propose the expulsion of Mr. Menendez from the upper chamber. Mr. Menendez faced charges of allegedly receiving race car tickets and other gifts in exchange for assisting the Qatari government. Despite mounting legal troubles, Mr. Menendez remains resolute in fighting the charges, yet he has not yet disclosed his intentions regarding seeking reelection.
"I am challenging Menedez to run for reelection," stated Mr. Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, in an interview with CNN on Friday.
In a surprising move, the lawmaker's endorsement sets him apart as the first Senate Democrat to enter the highly publicized primary race. This contest pits Mr. Kim against New Jersey's first lady, Tammy Murphy. Several Pennsylvania Democrats in the House have expressed their support for Mr. Kim. Mr. Fetterman praised the three-term House Democrat, describing him as a person of integrity.
"I feel a strong sense of security, knowing that he does not possess any gold bars hidden beneath his mattress, and that he will never face allegations of being a foreign agent for Egypt or Qatar," stated Mr. Fetterman in his recent endorsement announcement. Mr. Fetterman has previously taken aim at his embattled colleague, making his recent public challenge unsurprising.
Following a federal indictment that accused the lawmaker, along with his wife and business associates, of accepting cash and gold bars as bribes for aiding the Egyptian government, he became the first Democrat to propose the expulsion of Mr. Menendez from the upper chamber. Mr. Menendez faced charges of allegedly receiving race car tickets and other gifts in exchange for assisting the Qatari government. Despite mounting legal troubles, Mr. Menendez remains resolute in fighting the charges, yet he has not yet disclosed his intentions regarding seeking reelection.
