On ‘Radio Times’: Menendez trial has national implications

The corruption trial of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez is underway, the results of which could have huge implications for national politics. The senator is an essential seat for the Democratic Party, as some measures before congress can come as close as one or two votes. And if he is convicted and subsequently ejected from office, there is a chance that a Republican, at least temporarily, could take his place and put the Senate further in Republican control.

On Monday’s Radio Times, Montclair State University political science professor, Brigid Harrison, laid out the scenario for how this could happen. She told guest host Mary Cummings-Jordan that “fifteen democrats in the Senate would have to vote to expel him.” Should the senate decide to expel Menendez before January 17th, “Republican Governor Chris Christie would be charged with appointing a replacement for Senator Menendez. If it were to happen after January 17th, Governor Christie’s likely successor is a Democrat Phil Murphy, and he would be charged with naming a successor.”