Embattled Menendez Says He Will Be 'Vindicated' By Facts
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Sen. Robert Menendez is continuing to speak out against corruption charges leveled against him this month.
The New Jersey Democrats went on "Fox News Sunday" with host Chris Wallace and reiterated that he's innocent and will be vindicated when all the facts come out.
Prosecutors say Salomon Melgen, a wealthy Florida eye doctor, provided Menendez with luxury vacations, airline travel and tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to a legal defense fund. Federal prosecutors also allege the senator pressured officials to resolve a multimillion-dollar billing dispute between Melgen and Medicare and helped secure travel visas for Melgen's foreign girlfriends.
The senator has pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied Sunday he betrayed the public's trust, saying once the facts are known, "I know that I will be vindicated and that we will win."
The senator also said he can't imagine the Obama administration brought the prosecution against him because of his opposition to the administration on policy on Cuba and Iran, as some have speculated.
Melgen also has been charged and has pleaded not guilty.
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