New Jersey’s Senior Senator Plans to Retire, Setting Up Potential Democrat Primary Battle
Post Updated 4:30 p.m.
By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
Cory Booker is about to have the best Valentine’s Day of his life, Save Jerseyans, because his recent arch-rival is borrowing a page from Pope Benedict XVI’s book.
U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2014.
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.”
Governor Chris Christie and Senator Lautenberg regularly scrapped over various political issues, but the state’s top Republican released the following statement upon learning of the senior N.J. Democrat official’s retirement:
Frank Lautenberg and I have had our differences through the years, but I’ve always respected him for his tenacity, devotion to the people of New Jersey and his love for and commitment to public service. I will always be grateful for his doggedness in fighting with me and the delegation to ensure congressional passage of an aid package after Hurricane Sandy that is delivering necessary assistance to our residents. I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Today’s news is only surprising due to the timing; Lautenberg had put forth a scrappy defense to Booker’s over-eager antics in recent weeks, and Democrats now face the prospect of a potentially bruising primary between the Newark Mayor and Pallone/Sweeney/Buono… fill in the blank.
The GOP field might get more interesting now, too. Geraldo? Some other dark horse? Or one of the likely veteran Republicans on Chris Christie’s short list?
Your thoughts?
Dr Benjamin Carson…
Pallone v Woody
Glad granny Lautenberg is hanging it up. Shouldn't have been there in the first place.
The Crypt-Keeper is finally going to retire?
Oh god not Kyrillos
Me
About time
Who would each of you like to see as the Republican nominee?
I say draft Frank Jack Fiamingo for U.S. Senator from New Jersey!
Unfortunately it won't matter. There is no GOP choice that has the money to overcome the massive amount of free positive press Booker will get.
It doesn't matter.
Woody needs to worry about all the lawsuits J&J faces and get the Jets back as a play-off contender.