Senator convicted of corruption denies he wants to resign

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Bob Menendez denies he plans to resign following his corruption conviction, sources tell NBC. Photograph: Frank Franklin II/AP/NTB

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez has denied media reports that he will resign after being found guilty of corruption.

Thursday, July 18, 04:02

On Wednesday, NBC News reported that Menendez had informed some of his supporters that he intended to resign, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Menendez claimed the allegations were without merit and said they appeared to be an effort to pressure him into telling the truth.

“Anyone who knows me knows that coercion is the worst way to get me to do something,” Menendez told CBS News.

Pressure on New Jersey senator grows after Tuesday Found guilty of 16 countsincluding bribery.

Senate President Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker have both called on Menendez to step down.

After the ruling, Menendez said he would appeal but did not respond to questions about whether he would resign from the Senate, a position he has held since 2006.