MENENDEZ CASE ISSUES.   WP.  “If federal prosecutors pursue corruption charges against Sen. Robert Menendez, they will face a difficult — but not impossible — task in making their case.”

BUILDING FOR 16.   The Gazette. “In a new development that is adding to fundraising and organizational clout, presumptive candidates this year are setting up and working closely with so-called super-PACS and other funding vehicles before they launch official campaigns.”

STAFFING UP.    TX Tribune.  “Allies of former Gov. Rick Perry have launched a super PAC that can raise unlimited amounts of money to boost the likely 2016 candidate, one of several signs that his presidential apparatus is kicking into high gear.”

CA:  POLITICAL TAX SCHEME.  Press Democrat.  “[Marc] Levine introduced legislation last week that would impose a tax on independent expenditures, which is campaign spending done by outside groups, instead of by candidates or party committees.”

FL: PROBATION IN CASE.    Miami Herald. “Former Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman, already facing prison time on a corruption conviction, agreed to probation on additional allegations that he misspent campaign donations.”

SC:  AFTER PLEA.     Post and Courier.  

HAVE A GOOD DAY.