NEWARK – It’s a big day in federal court for Sen. Bob Menendez today as his junior partner in New Jersey’s Senate delegation will testify as a character witness.

Sen. Cory Booker, Menendez’s fellow Democrat, is expected to join Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and testify on Menendez’s behalf today, according to a CNN report.

For Booker, who attended opening arguments and sat in the front row with Menendez’s family, wrapping his arms around the senator still carries risk. Booker will be vouching for the credibility and character of a man who could still be convicted of any number of federal felonies. Though with his popularity slipping and the clock ticking towards a desired re-election in just over a year, Menendez may need the Booker halo now more than ever.

It remains unclear whether Menendez or his co-defendant Dr. Salomon Melgen will testify in their own defense. 

Stay with InsiderNJ for updates on this developing story.