![]() ![]() But they disagreed on who should shoulder the blame. Here are the takeaways from Wednesday night’s debate in Newark:Ĭandidates spar over responsibility of political polarizationīoth candidates condemned the deep polarization in politics in the wake of several bomb threats against Democratic politicians. Polls show Menendez with a single-digit lead, as Hugin has poured in $24 million of his own money. The race has drawn national attention and money, though Menendez is still favored to win a third term. Menendez cast Hugin as a “greedy health care CEO” and acolyte of President Trump, while the Republican blasted Menendez over his corruption case that he argued “embarrassed” New Jersey. The candidates clashed over hyper-partisanship in politics, health care and their records. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and his well-funded Republican opponent Bob Hugin squared off in their first and only debate in a closer-than-expected Senate race in deep-blue New Jersey. Give Menendez another term as part of the Trump resistance.Sen. But this isn’t a time for protest votes, or non-votes. New Jersey, your choice is a miserable one. But once in office? He can’t just cherry-pick an issue or two on which to defy Trump. For campaign purposes he has to distance himself from someone so unpopular in New Jersey. He has a history of right-wing donations, including to Trump himself. Hugin’s claims of independence from Trump ring hollow. Hugin has countered with attack ads repeating unproven allegations about Menendez hiring underage prostitutes in the Dominican Republic. But we’re left with a candidate who may have built his wealth on the backs of patients being denied life-saving drugs. Hugin expresses pride in his tenure at Celgene while dismissing company criticism with familiar excuses about research and development costs and the business practicality of settling lawsuits. He’s still preferable to Hugin, whose candidacy amounts to being a wealthy Republican - and not Menendez. Watch Video: Menendez supporters holding their nose The Menendez defense relies on rule technicalities and definitions of friendship, enough to avoid conviction, but not to avoid being branded a sleazy politician exploiting his office. Salomon Melgen, who was later convicted of Medicare fraud. ![]() But a Senate ethics panel detailed Menendez’s habit of accepting luxurious gifts and keeping them secret while advancing the interests of his generous friend, Dr. Menendez was acquitted at trial – barely, thanks to a hung jury. His progressive values resonate with the majority of New Jerseyans, and we’ve seen Menendez fighting the right fights time after time.īut the corruption cloud looms. If we could strip away massive character concerns, our enthusiasm for Menendez would grow. That means voting against Trump by supporting Menendez. Our recommendation is to take a deep breath, hold down the bile churning in your stomach, and think bigger picture. Menendez, for all his warts, is solidly entrenched in the anti-Trump camp. New Jersey voters will be doing a terrible disservice to the state, and the country, if they send anyone to Washington who further enables Trump’s divisive excesses and hate-driven policies. crook is the shorthand many voters use, but that’s not exactly accurate. This isn’t just picking the lesser of evils. Hugin’s also a fan of President Trump – an indictment in itself. Celgene also faced whistleblower allegations of hiding potentially fatal side effects of cancer drugs and defrauding Medicare, resulting in a $280 million settlement. His opponent, Republican Bob Hugin, is the former CEO of drugmaker Celgene, a company whose past business practices include jacking up prices of drugs for cancer patients. Incumbent Democrat Bob Menendez remains dogged by corruption allegations stemming from his indictment for accepting gifts in return for political favors. New Jersey’s Senate race is a thoroughly demoralizing, soul-sucking battle between undeserving candidates.
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