Menendez can't get a speaking slot, but he could be the #2 man in the U.S. Senate by January 2011
By Wally EdgeU.S. Sen. Bob Menendez might not have received a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, but apparently he’s still poised to enhance his clout in the Senate over the next few years. As Vice Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Menendez is expected to move up to the chairmanship next year when incumbent Charles Schumer moves on after two cycles on the job. That puts the junior Senator from New Jersey into a nationally visible role for the 2010 elections – when (based on historical precedent) Menendez will either be defending seats in Barack Obama’s mid-term election, or looking to pick some up in John McCain’s.
If Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid retires in 2010 or loses his re-election bid (independent polls in Nevada have shown Reid to be struggling for positive job approval ratings), Menendez could try to move up in the Senate leadership – especially if Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) takes over for Reid. No minority has ever served as leader or whip in the Senate.
By the way, the race to succeed Reid could be interesting: Durbin is a close political ally of Obama, and some Democrats have suggested that Hillary Clinton might seek the Majority Leader post, should Reid not return. Durbin vs. Clinton would be 2008 all over again.
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Menendez will not be there in 2011.
I hate to break it to Bob, but he will not be reelected. By 2011, there will be an uprising of taxpayers in NJ, if not earlier.
So, we all know Menendez is a "Number 2" Man already!
"Study the Constitution, Let it be preached fom the pulpit, proclaimed in the legislatures,and enforced in courts of justice." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Think again
of the three state-wide officials in NJ, Menendez is by far the brightest, talented, and conspicuous. He will win re-election in 2010 easily-he will be a powerhouse in the Senate
It must be the new math
He'll be there in 2011 unless he leaves his seat early for some reason. He's not up for reelection until 2012.
such great heights
SJBlue is right that Menendez is the most talented among Corzine, Lautenberg, and himself. Menendez has been a courageous voice in speaking out on the Iraq War and against anti-earned citizenship immigration policies. He impresses almost every time he speaks, with his vast understanding of arcane federal policy -- I'm convinced he can be a genuine impetus for health care expansion and reform in the next few years, for example.
Menendez is a star in his party who is just getting to be known by the American people, outside of New Jersey and Florida. It is entirely possible that he rises to the No. 2 position in the senate in upcoming years.
My mistake
Menendez will be there after 2012 for sure
DSCC
Schumer should keep that job forever, as far as I'm concerned.
He's damn good at it (as even Republicans would have to acknowledge, he's a great campaign strategist).
Menendez for the win
There has been a few corruption scheme linked to Menendez, but he's innocent until proven guilty. As a Senator though, I think he does an excellent job. He's also become a powerful for NJ in and out of the country.
Menedez is for losers
"I think he does an excellent job"
Name 3 things that this "affirmative action senator" has done to make NJ or the US a better place for LEGAL law abiding citizens?
And the answer from the Dumbocrat is
1. "Ummmm"
2. "Duhhhh"
3. "Ahhhhhh"