U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez endorses Hillary Clinton for president

WASHINGTON – New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez endorsed Hillary Clinton for president Wednesday morning, hailing her foreign policy credentials and her support for Israel, and blasting Donald Trump as “an unmitigated disaster” waiting to happen on the world stage.

"Only one person running to lead our nation has the experience, the interest, and the demeanor to lead and protect our nation: Hillary Clinton," Menendez wrote in an op-ed on PolitickerNJ.com. The former chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee added, "Hillary understands the importance of stability and consistency – particularly as they impact our most important allies."

The endorsement comes just ahead of New Jersey's June 7 primary. Fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker has also endorsed Clinton as has Pennsylvania's Democratic Senator, Bob Casey.

Menendez focused on foreign policy in offering his support for the former secretary of state.

Trump, he wrote, "has shown no regard for the norms and necessities that so much of our modern diplomatic and security efforts depend upon."

Menendez's 700-word piece makes no mention of fellow Democratic senator and Clinton rival Bernie Sanders.

Instead, Menendez, one of Israel’s most outspoken supporters in Congress, focused heavily on Clinton’s commitment to Israeli security. With the threats Israel faces from terrorism, Iran and global detractors, Menendez wrote, “the presence of a strong and experienced American president will be more critical than ever.”