The Making of a Menendez Legacy

The Times editorial page today echoed the sentiments of many disappointed Corzine supporters when it declared the governor-elect's decision to select Congressman Menendez to take his seat in the U.S. Senate a mistake.

However, the question is now, what will Menendez do in the senate? Has his quest for power ceased, and, if so, will he change politically? He has won his reputation as an effective fundraiser because of his willingness to partake in pay-to-play politics in Hudson County, however, this might have been because of his determination to one day become a U.S Senator, a position that friends of his identified as his lifelong goal. Perhaps Menendez has reached the end of the ladder, and will now be free to work for his country, and not his career.

Of course, many of us had the same thoughts about Corzine a month ago. He had been a boring candidate, had associated himself with shady politicians, but nevertheless, had won what most of us thought would be the highest office attainable for an East Coast liberal. Nevertheless, he's continued to appease the political interests in the state for unknown reasons. There are rumors that he's looking for a presidential bid. Nothing could be more rediculous.