Saving Menendez
ShareHas anyone figured out how Rep. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is not going to have "baggage"-related stories written about him next week after NJ Gov.-elect Jon Corzine makes his SEN pick?
Either Menendez is going to get picked and Republicans (and the NJ/NY media) are immediately going to use Bob Torricelli's quotes (among others) noting Menendez's potential problems in holding the seat. [CHUCK TODD]
Or Menendez is passed over for another Congressional colleague (Andrews, Pallone or Holt) and the reason given by the various blind quoters is going to be his "baggage." Deserved or not, Menendez is in a tough spot. Obviously, he'd prefer to have to defend his "baggage" as an appointed Senator, but already, this process has done damage to Menendez's reputation. How does either Corzine or Menendez get out of this box?
Can Corzine find a perfect "above it all" candidate in order to save face for all involved? Outside of Bill Bradley, who? It's a mess and what's happened to Menendez's reputation this week isn't going to helpful whether he stays in the House trying to rise up in leadership or whether he moves to the Senate. [CHUCK TODD]
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