Feds probe Menendez rental deal (the shocking possibility that a NJ Democrat may be corrupt)

The Star Ledger ^ | Friday, September 08, 2006 | JEFF WHELAN AND JOSH MARGOLIN

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Senator took in at least $300,000 from nonprofit in Union City

Federal investigators have subpoenaed records of a rental deal between U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and a nonprofit agency in Union City, launching a criminal investigation that is sure to rock New Jersey's hotly contested Senate race.

Authorities delivered the subpoena to the North Hudson Community Action Corp. earlier this week, according to four sources familiar with the move who requested anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

The action comes two weeks after The Star-Ledger reported that Menendez collected more than $300,000 from the organization over a nine-year period while he represented Hudson County in the U.S. House of Representatives. During that period, he also helped the agency win millions of dollars in federal funding.

State Sen. Tom Kean Jr., Menendez's Republican challenger, has called the arrangement a case of profiting from official action. Two of his Republican allies filed an ethics complaint against Menendez in Congress, accusing him of a conflict of interest. Independent watchdog groups also have said it was a conflict for Menendez to seek federal funds on behalf of his tenant.

< snip >

Menendez purchased a three-story brick house on a residential street in Union City for $92,000 in 1983. He and his family lived there for a time, but they later moved out and he began renting it as commercial property.

In 1994, shortly after Menendez went to Congress, he entered into a lease with the North Hudson Community Action Corp., which used it to house administrative offices. Menendez initially charged $3,100 per month, and eventually raised the rent to $4,000.

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$4000 a month might seem like a lot of money for a rinkydink little non-profit nobody ever heard of to pay for a dumpy house in Union City, but it’s actually a pretty good deal when you take into account that the landlord is funnelling millions of taxpayer dollars back to them in return.

It might have the slight scent of corruption to it, but it’s all legit. Robert Torricelli ensures us that Bob Menedez is on the up and up.

[LtKerst]

NJ Democrat???

Nothing will happen.

No one in New jersey has the Guts to Fight democrat Corruption.

[petertare]

OHHHHH!!! Say it ain't so Moe.

[FlipWilson]

Quick, someone in the NJ party find another candidate before its too late!!! Oh wait, what am I saying, its Jersey, the dems can substitute a new candidate anytime up to and including the day after the election.

[Courdeleon02]

Menendez may be pressured to drop out. This is typical of NJ Democrat politics. Don't be surprised if former Acting Governor Richard Codey is put up to replace Menendez. Cody is a popular figure and could give young Tom Kean Jr,a real run for the money.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

As soon as the polling shows he'll lose, ,br>
they'll make him an offer he can't refuse.

[Obie Wan]

Gee nobody seems to get it.Democraps don't break laws only Republicans break laws.Don't take my word for it ask people like Hillary Clinton,Sandy Berger, Rep Jefferson from La. and a score of other honest Democraps !!!

[dead]

That's a solid prediction.

Menedez is a protege of The Torch, so it would be fitting for him to end his corrupt career with a last minute dash of election shenanigans just like his boss.

And, most likely, he'll land a bunch of lucrative payola jobs after "retirement" just like his scumbag mentor.

[frogjerk]

Menendez may be pressured to drop out. This is typical of NJ Democrat politics. Don't be surprised if former Acting Governor Richard Codey is put up to replace Menendez. Cody is a popular figure and could give young Tom Kean Jr,a real run for the money.

At the last minute....They'll pull the old cadaver end-around...

[Little Ray]

I would that it would be shocking if a NJ politician was NOT corrupt.

[Don Corleone]

I'm shocked,shocked to find that there is gambling going on here...!"

[Neverforget01]

Menendez is down in the polls so it's no surprise this scandal has been brought to light. Your prediction is spot on!

[Dante3]

Unfortunately you are exactly right when it comes to New Jersey.

[dfwgator]

I thought being corrupt was a prerequisite.

[Night Hides Not]

Give the guy a break! He was just making sure that the lessee would not become a deadbeat renter.

Nothing more...let's move on (/sarcasm).

[JerseyHighlander]

Thanks for the laugh.


I doubt Christie will push any harder than necessary, i.e., he'll slowhand this investigation period during the election cycle.


It will be enough that every media will start with the memes:


"Senator Menendez, currently under investigation for corruption charges, has travelled to (town) for a (fundraiser/charity/meet and greet) today....

and

Menendez accused "the Bush administration of a political prosecution, not unlike the Inquisition itself" today in a stump speech...

I fully expect Menendez to pull the race card within the next 3 weeks too.

[Night Hides Not]

I fully expect Menendez to pull the race card within the next 3 weeks too.

LOL!!! You give him far too much credit...the over/under on the deployment of the race card should be set at 10.5 days, as long as I get to take the "under".

[sonic109]

I live and work in Union City ..This guy is so corrupt it isnt funny. They should mention the young secretaryhe knocked up and all the taxpayer money he send her AND her family to shut up.