For those from NJ - Is there anything true in this article?

[Mass]

It was posted on GD by somebody who regretted Codey, but I am not sure how credible is this paper.
http://www.observer.com/20060918/20060918_Steve_Kornacki_politics_wiseguys.asp

[ProSense]

1. The article

has a very sensational tone! I believe this investigation, specifically due to it's timing and what I've read, is politically motivated. Menendez seems to be campaigning agressively:

• New Jersey Senate: Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez's first ad of the fall focuses on port security, according to the .

Menendez Hits Back

Who's Smearing Bob Today?

[wisteria]

2. I don't live in NJ, but I am close enough to have picked up on this

about a week ago. Mostly, it is a Republican smear trick. It involves a non- profit organization who rented space from Menmendez. A complaint was filed (I wonder who did that right before an election)and a possible federal investigation is underway. Note, nothing will be looked into or any decisions made until after the November elections. My guess is these are trumped up charges used to discredit him now and will come to nothing after the election. With Jersey's history of Democratic problems, it is easy for the Repubs to just plant the suspicion, even if it is unfounded. Will it work- I can't say for sure, but I would bet it won't work in Jersey.

[karynnj]

3. I don't think so - the article is all speculation

Chris Christie, a Republican superstar federal prosecutor (from my ridiculous county) is investigating Menendez - the issue is that a non-profit for which Menendez got federal funding rented space from Menendez, but from earlier NYT articles,
-The non-profit had similar funding way before Menendez even entered Congress
-The rent paid was market rate
-Menendez sought and got VERBAL approval from the House Ethics committee
-Menendez sold the property

It sounds like there's nothing there. Christie was mentioned as a potential candidate for Governor back in 2005 - but didn't run. (In fairness, he's also investigated Republicans)