Democrat Bob Menendez may not be doing any time on the many charges he is facing. Not based on this trial, anyway. The jury returned to the courtroom today with a note, explaining that they are hopelessly deadlocked and cannot reach a verdict. Now the judge has to decide whether to ask them to keep trying or not.

The judge said that asking the jurors for a partial verdict would be a “futile exercise” and that doing so would lead down a “slippery slope of coercion“, according to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Andrew Seidman.

Menendez’s attorneys are asking for a mistrial, and moments ago all the attorneys joined the judge in chambers to discuss the case. The judge wants to interview the jury foreman.

Syndicated columnist Phil Kerpen wants to know more about the situation with the holdout.

I mean, what were the odds the ONE holdout (juror #8) on the false statements count would be dismissed and replaced with an alternate who also holds out on it???? #MenendezTrial

— Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) November 16, 2017

It doesn’t look good.

"I think we have a for-real hung jury," Menendez attorney told the judge.

— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) November 16, 2017

Judge, prosecution and defense are interviewing the jury foreman right now in private chambers. Melgen and Menendez in there too.

— Nick Corasaniti (@NYTnickc) November 16, 2017

We’ll update you when there is some decision.

UPDATE The jurors are being interviewed one by one now. Not a good sign.

Jurors in @SenatorMenendez trial being led into and out of Judge William Walls' chambers one by one. Likely Walls is interviewing them about deadlock. Appears we are headed for a hung jury result in this case. @INSIDER__NJ

— Alex Zdan (@ActualAlexZ) November 16, 2017

UPDATE: The game is being called, y’all.

Menendez family members hugging each other. Looks like a mistrial, folks.

— Andrew Seidman (@AndrewSeidman) November 16, 2017