A very solid decision, it seems to me, and my guess is one that would not interest the Supreme Court should the Senator seek to go further.

It is also worth noting that the 3rd Circuit does not cite the recent Supreme Court McDonnell decision, and there seems no question that the Senator could not take advantage of that case if the government proves the facts as alleged: he appeared to have done more than simply suggested a meeting with government officials on Dr. Melgen’s behalf; he sought to influence official government action.