WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – To some, Dr. Salomon Melgen was a miracle worker who brought sight to the blind. To others, he was a smooth political player known for rubbing elbows and jet-setting.

Whichever version of Melgen roused the interest of the FBI, which raided his offices this week, their investigation has illuminated the surgeon’s ability to build ties to a host of Democratic lawmakers.

Foremost among them is Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, whose friendship with Melgen has yielded fundraisers, campaign contributions and trips on a private plane. Menendez said this week he did nothing wrong, and flatly denied allegations reported by The Daily Caller, a conservative website, that he traveled on Melgen’s plane to the Dominican Republic for sex with prostitutes.