Menendez’ bill could have aided donor’s investment

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Associated Press investigation has found that New Jersey’s Sen. Robert Menendez sponsored legislation with incentives for natural gas vehicle conversions that could benefit the biggest donor to his re-election.

The CEO and a former consultant to GFS Corp. say that Dr. Salomon Melgen invested in the Florida company, which helps industries convert diesel fuel-fleets to natural gas, and joined its board of directors in early 2010.

At the same time, Menendez emerged as a principal Democratic supporter of legislation to boost tax credits to truck and vehicle fleets that converted to alternative fuels. The bill has yet to pass.

Menendez twice flew on Melgen’s private jet for personal trips to the Dominican Republic.

There is no evidence Menendez offered direct help or intervened on behalf of GFS or Melgen.