Bob Menendez Pleads Not Guilty as Resignation Calls Mount (2)

Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal corruption charges as demands for his resignation intensified.

The Democratic senator and his wife are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold bars and a Mercedes convertible in exchange for illegally helping the nation of Egypt and three New Jersey businessmen charged with them.

Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine arrive at the federal courthouse in New York on Sept. 27.

Photographer: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

Menendez, 69, entered his plea in Manhattan federal court through his lawyer. His wife, Nadine, 56, also pleaded not guilty through her lawyer.

First elected to the Senate in 2006, Menendez has become a liability to fellow Democrats, including ...