ldsuttonjr Loc: ShangriLa

Corruption and the Fate of Obamacare
Sep 4, 2017
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The Briefing, Vol. V, Issue 37 – Happy Labor Day to all our readers.


Menendez trial an underestimated potential game-changer
Another special House election likely coming soon

New Jersey: Here’s a fun thought-exercise. Let’s say Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial, for which a jury has now been seated, results in a felony conviction and his expulsion or resignation from the Senate between today and January 16, 2018, Gov. Chris Christie’s last day in office.

Christie would then be empowered to appoint an interim senator — perhaps Jeffrey Chiesa again, or a member of the state’s Republican congressional delegation, but perhaps even himself. At which point the U.S. Senate could suddenly bring to the floor and pass the Obamacare repeal bill that it came within one vote of passing this summer, thanks to a new New Jersey Republican in its ranks.

In this scenario, Democrats could try to avoid this fate by circling the wagons around a convicted Menendez. But it won’t look good, and it’s anyone’s guess how long they can actually hold out. Assuming that a conviction does occur, a lot of it depends on the timing. For example, if he is convicted on corruption charges in early October, it’s very difficult to imagine him clinging to his seat until mid-January, but he could try to do just that.

Again, this is just a thought experiment. Menendez could well be exonerated. But can you think of a crazier possible end to Christie’s political career? To Menendez’s? To Obamacare?

This really could all happen, depending on the strength of the government’s case against Menendez. The trial begins on September 6. No one seems to be taking this possibility too seriously, but it’s staring everyone in the face right now. It looks a heck of a lot more likely today than Trump’s election as president ever was in June 2015.

sboy

My take is as follows: [Just so you understand, I am a lawyer.]

If the trial actually begins soon and finishes with a conviction before the next election, the verdict will likely be appealed. In such case, Menendez's fate will be in suspension. He will probably not be kicked from the Senate until the final appeal is exhausted. That could be years. In the meantime, depending on circumstances he can return to the Senate and continue his work. It is possible that the Senate Ethics Committee could take action against him before the appeal is complete, but we don't know that.

Conclusion: Do not put much faith in your scenario. The outcome is too obscure to make any observations at this time.

Proviso: Menendez could plea-bargain and end the trial that way. If the plea bargain results in even a misdemeanor conviction, your scenario could come about. Timing is the essential factor.

ldsuttonjr Loc: ShangriLa

sboy: Our tort system at work! If you want to call it work? I personally feel it needs a compete overhaul...especially after the last eight years of obstruction!

bggamers Loc: georgia

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What do you mean last 8 years it's still in progress. They are all sitting on their collective hands. Most need to be replaced obstructionist should be thrown out