Menendez Maintains Innocence in Wake of Indictment

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said charges that he used his office to help a party donor are political and he promises he won't give up his Senate seat.

The Justice Department charged Menendez with 14 counts, including some related to bribery and fraud.

"This is not how my career is going to end. Today contradicts my public service career and my entire life," he said at a Wednesday news conference, just hours after being indicted.

The embattled lawmaker insists he'll be vindicated.

"Prosecutors at the Justice Department don't know the difference between friendship and corruption," Menendez said.

The indictment of Mendendez could hurt a bill he co-authored, which would require congressional approval of any nuclear deal with Iran.