Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey stands firm against federal charges, refusing to resign

Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has rejected calls for his resignation following his indictment on federal bribery charges. Menendez vowed to fight the charges and believes he will be exonerated. He and his wife have been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion. Menendez has temporarily stepped down as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but maintains that he has not lost the trust of his constituents. Several Democratic lawmakers, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, have called for his resignation. Menendez is due in court on Wednesday.