"Sen. Bob Menendez Considers Independent Run Amid Bribery Charges"

A Manhattan judge has refused to dismiss bribery and other charges against Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, rejecting the argument that they violate constitutional protections for members of Congress. Menendez's lawyers had claimed that prosecutors were criminalizing normal legislative activity, but the ruling did not address other grounds cited by the senator. Menendez could appeal the decision, potentially delaying his trial scheduled to begin on May 6.