The conviction of Sen. Bob Menendez on bribery charges has renewed interest in who might replace the New Jersey Democrat on the Finance Committee should he resign or be expelled from the Senate.
Menendez has so far resisted calls for his resignation, including from Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., after being found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for helping foreign governments.
But should Menendez change his mind or be expelled from the Senate, it would open up a coveted spot on the Finance Committee, which has taken on even greater significance with next year’s expiring tax provisions and the likelihood of major action on tax policy.
