‘Comes with the job’: why political corruption is a rite of passage in New Jersey

Politicians like Bob Menendez might not be proud of the accusations they face, but there's an attitude of that's what we do in New Jersey'

In Jersey, anything's legal as long as you don't get caught," croons Bob Dylan in the Traveling Wilburys' song, Tweeter and the Monkey Man. As a Native New Jerseyan, I think, How dare you say that? But, it's absolutely true," said Derek Arnold, a senior instructor at Villanova University who researches political scandals.

New Jersey senator Bob Menendez was federally indicted for bribery last month by the US attorney's office, southern district of New York, which alleges he received gold bars, cash and a luxury convertible in exchange for political favors to three local businessmen. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.