The Star-Ledger Editor: Menendez Disclosure Charge Is Enough to Expel Him

Prosecutors Must Prove ‘Intent to Deceive’ in Menendez Corruption Trial (The Washington Free Beacon)

Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.) could be expelled from the Senate and convicted of a felony if the court finds he intentionally failed to disclose trips on a private jet, and a five star luxury hotel stay in Paris.

NJTV hosted a "Reporters Roundtable" Sunday focused on Menendez’ ongoing corruption trial. The Democratic senator is accused of conducting official favors in exchange from gifts from his Dr. Salomon Melgen, a friend Menendez says he is very close with. In a seperate trial, Melgen was previously convicted of fraud for improperly billing over $100 million in medicare insurance payments.

A central question in the case for prosecutors is why Menendez only disclosed some of the gifts he received from Melgen. Trial editor Tom Moran of The Star-Ledger said during Sunday's discussion that there is "no real excuse," according to defense lawyers he's spoken to.