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Lautenberg will not seek another term

220px-Frank_Lautenberg,_official_portrait,_112th_portraitNew Jersey’s senior U.S. Senator, Frank Lautenberg, will not seek reelection when his term expires in 2014.

The Star Ledger broke the story with a statement from the senator:

“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 as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.”

Lautenberg will be 91 when his term expires.  Recent independent poll have indicated that New Jersey voters favor Newark Mayor Cory Booker heading to the Senate.

Congressman Frank Pallone is said to be ready to challenge Booker for the Democratic nomination in 2014.   State Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver have also indicated interest in the Democratic nomination.

Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik said he will not be a candidate.

TV and radio personality Geraldo Rivera is the only Republican who has publically expressed an interest in competing for the Senate seat.  State Senators Tom Kean, JR,  and Joe Kyrillos have been mentioned as possible candidates, as has Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, Lt. Governor Kim Guadango, and bio-tech executive/Navy Intelligence Officer John Crowley.  New Jersey has not had a Republican in the U.S. Senate since 1974.

In a statement issued to the media, Governor Chris Christie said, “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.”

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Posted: February 14th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: 2014 U.S. Senate race, Frank Lautenberg | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

5 Comments on “Lautenberg will not seek another term”

  1. Good riddance, said at 6:21 pm on February 14th, 2013:

    Just because he’s old now doesn’t mean most of his votes weren’t to tax us more, spend more, and regulate us more. Was there when he first came on the scene in 1982, when he said Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick in her 70’s was too old and ought to go. Our job now is, let’s not blow it again with a losing nominee- go, Geraldo!!

  2. brian said at 8:16 pm on February 14th, 2013:

    both of “our anna’s” supporters must be excited…………………..

  3. Maidenhead said at 9:10 pm on February 14th, 2013:

    I would love to see Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll run. He is one of the few Republicans left in New Jersey.

    http://www.michaelcarroll.com/platform.asp

  4. Sue said at 11:11 pm on February 18th, 2013:

    Actually NJ did briefly have a Repub in the Senate in the early 1980s. He was appointed to fill a vacancy.

  5. Barry said at 8:28 am on February 19th, 2013:

    The issue is no GOP Senator elected since Clifford Case in 1972. Harrision Williams (Abscam ) resigned, and the replacement appointed by Tom Kean GOP governor served from March 82 to 12/27/82 allowing Lautenberg a few extra days of seniority.