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Appeals court won't toss charges against US Sen. Menendez

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Latest on an appeals court ruling in the corruption case against Sen. Bob Menendez (all times local): 1:20 p.m. An attorney for U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez says he will ask the full 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review a three-judge panel's ruling allowing the corruption case against him to move forward. Abbe Lowell says he will appeal Friday's decision to the full circuit court and then to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. Lowell argues that charges accusing the New Jersey Democrat of accepting gifts in exchange for political influence should be tossed because of a constitutional clause that protects the actions of sitting lawmakers. Lowell argues that the senator's meetings with government officials were held to discuss policy matters, not to benefit a wealthy friend. Menendez and Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen have pleaded not guilty. ___ 10:15 a.m. A federal appeals court has refused to dismiss corruption charges against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey. An attorney for the indicted Democrat had argued the charges should be tossed because of a constitutional clause that protects the actions of sitting lawmakers. But the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia on Friday ruled against that. The panel found the dispute is something that needs to be decided at trial. Menendez's lawyer argued in February that the senator's meetings with government officials were held to discuss policy matters, not to benefit a wealthy friend. Prosecutors allege the friend, Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, plied Menendez with gifts and campaign donations in exchange for political influence. Menendez and Melgen have pleaded not guilty to bribery and fraud charges.

The Latest: Ruling against US Sen. Menendez will be appealed