Lautenberg will not seek re-election next year

[blueclown]

Source: NJ Star Ledger

TRENTON — U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a pugnacious and plain-spoken Democrat who has represented New Jersey for three decades, will not seek re-election to a sixth term next year.

“I am not announcing the end of anything. I am announcing the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey,” Lautenberg told the Star-Ledger. “While I may not be seeking re-election, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term and I'm going to keep fighting as hard asever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.”

The decision by Lautenberg, 89, who has been giving mixed signals for months, marks the end of a political era in New Jersey and one that is likely to set off a fierce primary battle as Democrats, including Newark Mayor Cory Booker, jockey for the rare open seat.

Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/lautenberg_to_not_seek_re-elec.html#incart_river

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I hope it's a more contested primary than just Celebrity Booker...

[Arkana]

1. Guess it's Cory Booker then. No one in Jersey's going to challenge him.

[Freddie Stubbs]

2. Yep

[SpartanDem]

3. It's was time for him to go

he's 89 you don't want to give Christie the chance to appoint someone to that seat.

[riverbendviewgal]

6. well said

Launtenberg should enjoy his twilight years and let the new younger guy do the job.

corey brooker is not perfect but he seems to be a good choice for Jersey. He is a democratic.

[blueclown]

8. I certain won't vote for Mr. I Defend Bain Capital unless he's the only option.

Here's hoping there is a competitive primary.

[riverbendviewgal]

9. I hope so too

we shall see..

[Third Doctor]

10. I agree.

Booker really left a bad taste in my mouth after that one. Since then I've done my homework on the guy and I'm not that impressed.

[The Wizard]

4. Uncle Frank served us well

I've seen him in action up close and he takes no prisoners. He served us well and with distinction.

[bluestateguy]

5. Glad to see he got the message

It is a little disconcerting to have an 89 year old senator in there from our side and a popular Republican governor just tapping his pencil waiting.

I wish Lautenberg well and thank him for his honorable service.

[TwilightGardener]

7. He kind of had to.

[alp227]

11. before the senate, he served in WW2 and was CEO of ADP.

Yes ADP the payroll analysis/processing corporation.

After Inouye's death, he is the last WW2 veteran serving in the senate. http://blog.chron.com/txpotomac/2012/12/the-list-remaining-world-war-ii-veterans-in-congress/

does anyone from jersey know more about the 2002 election controversy over FL replacing Toricelli in the ballot?

[hughee99]

12. On the controversy,

If I recall correctly, Toricelli was having some personal troubles (corruption and scandal allegations) that came about after the primary but before the general election that would have made it very tough for him to win. After the date set out by the state of NJ to have the candidates set for the election, Toricelli dropped out and the Dems drafted Lautenberg to take his place, but according to NJ law, it was too late and Toricelli was supposed to stay on the ballot. They took it to the NJ supreme court where they threw out the law and allowed FL to be on the ballot. Some said justice was served since the Dems should be able to put up whoever they want (even though FL wasn't they guy they voted for in the primary), others called it a bait-and-switch where the candidate was dropping out at the last second because the polls weren't good.

I'm not from NJ, but this is what I recall.