Judge rules against Menendez's attempt to dismiss charges

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled against New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's remaining attempts to have the corruption charges against him thrown out.

U.S. District Judge William Walls ruled against Menendez on Thursday. Among the arguments were that prosecutors failed to allege an "official act" under bribery laws.

Menendez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and plans to appeal.

Walls last month threw out four of the 22 counts against Menendez and Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, but said most of the charges leveled against them in April could go to trial.

He earlier denied one of Menendez's central arguments, that the indictment should be thrown out because his actions on behalf of Melgen were routine legislative work protected by the Constitution's speech or debate clause.