CNN got around to reporting on the evolving scandal of Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, and his involvement in flying to the Dominican Republic and allegedly soliciting underage prostitutes, and it looks like his defenders on Capitol Hill are starting to back away from him.

After earlier laughing off the scandal as a product of politics and warning the press to consider the source, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wouldn’t answer questions today saying only that, “Bob Menendez is my friend. He is an outstanding senator. Any questions in this regard, direct to him. I don’t know anything about it.” This came after news surfaced that Senator Menendez had personally repaid over $58,000 in travel expenses to Dr. Salomon Melgen, his alleged partner-in-crime.

Both the White House and New Jersey’s other senator, Frank Lautenberg also punted when asked about Menendez.