NJ Senate: Menendez's Bribery Charges

​All the way back in April of 2015, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was indicted on several federal charges involving bribery, fraud, conspiracy, and making false statements.  Yesterday, the US Supreme Court indicated the high panel will not review the case, meaning the scheduled September 6th trial will finally proceed. 
 
Politically, not much will happen before an eventual verdict is rendered.  First, the Senate race will take a back seat to the open 2017 Governor’s race, that will be decided this November, so the Senate contest will be quiet until that campaign concludes.  Second, a guilty verdict could result in Sen. Menendez being forced to resign, meaning an interim appointment or special election being made or called.  The seat is in-cycle in 2018.  Democrats are likely to retain, but the Menendez’s legal situation brings many questions that won’t be soon answered.