U.S. Rep. Albio Sires today defended Sen. Robert Menendez and presented an unusual theory why the senator finds himself battling lurid accusations.

“I won’t even be surprised if somehow the Cuban government is involved in this to try to damage Bob Menendez because he’s been so steadfast against the Castro government. He’s been a critic all his political life,” Sires said in a phone interview. “I would not be surprised if they are behind some of this stuff, some of these allegations. The Dominican Republic has a lot of relationships with Cuba.”

Sires, who like Menendez (D-N.J). is Cuban-American, succeeded him in the House when Menendez was elevated to the Senate.

Full story: Congressman speculates Cuba may be behind Menendez scandal