NJ Senator Bob Menendez Pleads Not Guilty to Revised Charges (2)

US Senator Robert Menendez pleaded not guilty Monday to expanded bribery charges that accuse him of accepting gold bars, cash and a Mercedes Benz in exchange for helping three businessmen.

The New Jersey Democrat entered his plea in New York federal court, where US District Judge Sidney Stein rejected Menendez’s request to delay the May 6 trial date. Menendez, who has served in the Senate since 2006, declined to say after the hearing whether he will seek reelection.

Menendez, 70, has seen his popularity plummet since he was first indicted in September and stepped down as chairman of the Senate ...