Prosecutors unveil cache of Menendez texts in bribery trial: "It is extremely important that we keep Nadine happy"

Washington — Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey was on the cusp of turning 64 when Nadine Arslanian, who would later become his wife and be indicted alongside him in a federal bribery case, asked to take him to lunch for his birthday. 

"Would love to get together but as I said once before I don't want to interfere with your boyfriend," the Democratic senator texted her back on Dec. 31, 2017. 

A month later, on the day the Justice Department dismissed the remaining charges against him in a separate corruption case, she wrote him, "Now re-election!!!!"