A day after the NY Times' story about how he "does not go gentle," longtime NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg, 89, announced he will not run for re-election in 2014. He told the Star-Ledger, "I am not announcing the end of anything," Lautenberg said. "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."
He added, "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 as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate."
Of course, this means that Newark Mayor Cory Booker has an easier path on the way to the Democratic Senate primary. Lautenberg was pretty annoyed when Booker announced he would run for Senate in 2014, since he hadn't said anything about retiring.
Booker said today, "Senator Frank Lautenberg has been a champion for the people of New Jersey for decades and his legacy of service will improve the lives of all American's for years to come."
The Star-Ledger gives perspective on Lautenberg's career:
Lautenberg, who was a successful businessman, has been one of the Senate's most strident liberal voices over an approximately 30-year career, parrying with Democrats and Republicans alike on a broad array of domestic issues.
Recently, he has been a leader in pushing to renew a lapsed ban on assault weapons and restricting the size of ammunition magazines. He has been one of the biggest backers of Amtrak, and has clashed with the tobacco industry over the years, spearheading the effort to ban smoking on domestic airplane flights . He also sponsored a bill to withhold federal funds from states that did not raise their drinking age to 21, and helped rewrite hazardous waste cleanup law.
At home, he has tangled with Gov. Chris Christie on a number of issues, criticizing the Republican governor for slashing funds for the poor, nixing a new rail tunnel linking New Jersey and New York and merging Rutgers-Camden with Rowan University. And he has been critical of Democrats who have formed their own cozy relationships with Christie, accusing them of weakening the party.
President Obama also addressed the news, "Frank is a steadfast champion of the people of New Jersey. Throughout his time in the Senate, Frank has fought tirelessly for workers, veterans, members of our military and their families, and immigrants, and he continues to make extraordinary contributions to our nation’s safety, and the health and welfare of our citizens. His service in World War II is a testament to his character and deep commitment to public service. I look forward to working with Frank on critical issues before us these next two years, and Michelle and I wish him and Bonnie all the best."
