Ethics & Integrity in Action

WASHINGTON - Republican Tom Kean Jr.'s campaign plans a "Swift Boat"-style film accusing his Democratic rival of involvement in a New Jersey mob-connected kickback scheme despite public records and statements disputing that claim.

Sen. Bob Menendez has talked about how he courageously testified against Union City, N.J., Mayor William V. Musto in a 1982 federal trial that dealt with school construction, kickbacks and the Mob.

Musto was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison. He died in February.

Kean contends that Menendez's portrayal of his role is inaccurate. Four former federal prosecutors who oversaw the case have said Menendez was never involved in any wrongdoing.

The Kean campaign has acknowledged the prosecutors' statements, but spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said Friday, "The corruption is so deep and so extensive it requires a film to capture all of it."

She said the film covers Menendez's political career, from his work in Musto's administration, his years as Union City mayor to his time as a congressman and senator.

The campaign plans a film similar to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads from the 2004 presidential campaign. Then, a group of Vietnam War veterans made unsubstantiated allegations about Democratic Sen. John Kerry's decorated war record.

Hazelbaker said the campaign wants voters to know that Menendez went to work for Musto "with his eyes wide open" amid questions about Musto's integrity.

The issue arose during two Senate debates last week. Kean ignored questions from Menendez and reporters at the debates about his involvement in a "Swift Boat" style film, but the campaign said it was funding it in an interview with The New York Times.

Menendez spokesman Matt Miller said public records prove that the senator was not involved in the Musto probe, or in any other wrongdoing.

"Tom Kean Jr. has failed the most basic test of integrity, which is whether you're willing to tell the truth," Miller said. "How many times do his lies have to be exposed before he stops telling them?"