Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., on March 3. (Susan Walsh/AP)
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez’s shady relationship with a top donor has taken an even more serious turn. A grand jury is reportedly investigating Menendez over two different incidents with his close friend and major financial backer Dr. Salomon Melgen. One allegation suggests Menendez helped Melgen get a port-security contract in the Dominican Republic; the other, that he participated in the doctor’s fradulent overbilling of Medicare. Earlier this year, the senator admitted to reimbursing Melgen for two or three personal trips to the Dominican Republic, but denied claims that Melgen hooked him up with prostitutes during his tropical travels. Three sources told The Washington Post that the grand jury has subpoenaed Melgen’s financial records.