WNYC (AUDIO): Low Turnout a Problem for Menendez, But Trump Should Help

Democrats across New Jersey are ramping up efforts to get out the vote in Republican districts they’re hoping to turn blue. But in the race to keep Democratic Senator Bob Menendez in office, the lack of competitive House races in blue strongholds could be a big problem for the party.

Menendez is running against former pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin, and the race could hinge on districts where voters aren’t as compelled to turn out to the polls. …

The federal case against Menendez focused on gifts and campaign contributions from a Florida eye doctor who Menendez said was a close friend. In exchange, the indictment alleged, Menendez made calls on Melgin’s behalf to federal agencies. The case ended in a mistrial last year when jurors could not come to consensus on conviction or acquittal. Federal prosecutors declined to try him again and then he was admonished by the Senate Ethics Committee.

But even just the appearance of corruption continues to hurt Menendez. The Quinnipiac poll found 52 percent of likely voters have a negative view of him. That was evident in the primaries, where almost 40 percent of Democrats voted against Menendez.

Stephen Spaulding, of the government watchdog group Common Cause, said “sometimes the appearance of corruption can be just as damaging to trust, faith and confidence in government as actual corruption.”

It’s not just Menendez, Spaulding said wealthy donors buying influence is all too common in Washington, and the line between favors and bribery is murky.

“And the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Roberts has by no means been a beacon of clarity on that front,” Spaulding said. “The court has by and large said this kind of access and influence is as American as apple pie and it’s really up to voters to punish or reward elected officials, not the court.”