Menendez Renews Fight Against Federal Corruption Charges

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on Monday renewed his attack on federal corruption charges against him.

Attorneys for Menendez filed papers in federal appeals court Monday. They are seeking to overturn a judge's decision in September that upheld most of the counts in an indictment unsealed last spring against Menendez and a wealthy campaign donor.

The indictment charges Menendez with taking campaign donations and gifts from Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen in exchange for helping Melgen in a Medicare dispute and with a business interest in the Dominican Republic.

Four counts in the Menendez indictment – two against the senator and two against Melgen – were dismissed last September.

In Monday's filing, Menendez argues that Constitutional law protects Congressmen from being prosecuted for legislative acts, and that there is no evidence there was any corrupt agreement between the two men.

Oral arguments are scheduled for the end of February.

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