Senator denies bribery charges in court

The first witness is expected to take the stand Thursday in the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. Prosecutors charged the senator with taking bribes from a wealthy eye doctor, a charge Menendez denies. Dr. Salomon Melgen, who is also on trial, allegedly showered Menendez with lavish vacations and six-figure campaign donations in return for political favors. Menendez is the first sitting U.S. senator to face a federal trial for corruption in about four decades. “The Constitution, like any citizen, gives me the right to ultimately assist in my defense in court, and I intend to be here every day,” Menendez said. “The Constitution also gives me the right to cast a vote on behalf of the people I represent in the United States Senate.” If Menendez is convicted and leaves Congress in the next four months, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would pick his replacement, likely giving Republicans one more crucial vote in the Senate.