On July 27, following days of speculation over the vacant Senate seat in Montana (thanks to Max Baucus's confirmation as Ambassador to China), Governor Brian Schweitzer announced that he would appoint Attorney General Steve Bullock as Baucus's replacement in the Senate. Bullock would face the voters in a special election in 2012.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Robert Menendez was indicted on by a federal grand jury over taking bribes from Opthamologist Saloman Melgen to advance his business interests. Menendez was found guilty of bribery and perjury on November 12, and was sentenced by Federal Judge William Walls to two years in prison. Menendez resigned from the Senate that day. On November 16, Governor Chris Christie appointed State Assemblyman Jon Bramnick to the vacant Senate seat, giving Republicans a Senate gain.
Following a poor result in the Ames Straw Poll, Newt Gingrich suspended his campaign for President on September 2, endorsing Jeb Bush.
Let's go Jon!!!
