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Sen. Menendez launches 'I Stand with Bob' PR campaign

By Amy R. Connolly

NEWARK, N.J., April 3 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez launched a public relations "I Stand With Bob" campaign to rally supporters and public opinion after the New Jersey Democrat pleaded not guilty to corruption charges.

Hours after Melendez was charged with 14 counts of political corruption, including conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud, he pressed the 'send' button on a video, Twitter account and website aimed at telling his story.. His media blitz includes a two-minute video and the launch of IStandWithBob.com.

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"It saddens me that our system of justice has already failed at its most basic level by leaking information and peddling rumors," he said in the video. "But that failure affords me the opportunity to finally show beyond a doubt that the charges leveled today and through a nearly three-year campaign of innuendo and smears are completely false. I will never give up, and I will never back down when the cause is just and the stakes are high." Menendez enlisted a prominent political consulting and public relations firm to kindle public support following corruption charges, stemming from his alleged exchange of political power for lavish gifts and campaign donations.

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Federal prosecutors allege Menendez wielded his power to advocate on behalf of Florida ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen, who was accused of overbilling Medicare. Already, Menendez has raised about $1 million in a legal defense fund.

The website includes statements from his backers.

"My friend, Bob Menendez, is not going anywhere. I know that he will get through this, and nothing will distract him from doing what he does best, fighting for New Jersey," said U.S. Rep. Albio Sires, D-N.J.

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