I am trying to keep an open mind about Menendez Jr. My parents are deeply flawed people, and I wouldn't want to be personally judged based on their mistakes. I think it's possible to take advantage of nepotism and do genuinely good things by playing the hand you're dealt, and I hope that the son does exactly that.

But I have to say, it's hard not to be deeply skeptical considering what a stain on the party, the county, the state, and the country Menendez Sr. has been.

If they had a Wins Above Replacement stat for senators like they do for baseball players, Menendez would be Robinson Chirinos.