Graft convicted U.S. senator abandons run as independent

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted of corruption, said on Friday he was abandoning his bid for reelection as an independent, ending a prolific political career.

The 70-year-old New Jersey Democrat had already indicated that he would step down on August 20 from the Senate seat he has held since 2006.

The senator was convicted in New York last month of extortion, obstruction of justice and accepting bribes to perform favors for businessmen with connections to Egypt and Qatar.

He will be sentenced on October 29 and could spend the rest of his life in prison.

"I am advising you that I wish to have my name withdrawn from the ballot," he wrote in a letter to New Jersey's acting elections chief Donna Barber.

Menendez's missive coincided with the announcement of the appointment of his replacement in the Senate as of August 20.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, also a Democrat, announced that George Samir Helmy will represent New Jersey for the remainder of Menendez's term, which ends in January.

"It is a tragic ending to a long and largely productive career in public service," said Murphy.

Menendez's wife, Nadine, has also been charged in the case. She is receiving treatment for breast cancer and will be tried separately.

In a raid on the couple's New Jersey home, FBI agents found nearly $500,000 in cash hidden around the house, as well as gold bars worth around $150,000 and a luxury Mercedes-Benz convertible.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, a post he left when he was indicted 11 months ago, Menendez held sway on US foreign policy.