UPDATED 17:42 PM EST, February 8, 2013
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Robert Menendez is defending actions he took that appeared to benefit a top campaign contributor, saying that being a donor shouldn't disqualify someone from getting a lawmaker's assistance.
The New Jersey Democrat made his comments in an interview on the Spanish-language television network Univision when asked about his top campaign contributor, Dr. Solomon Melgen. Menendez's ties to Melgen have come under scrutiny after an FBI raid last week at Melgen's West Palm Beach, Fla., offices.
