Lautenberg says he won’t run in 2014

TRENTON - U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.), the country's oldest currently serving senator, will not seek reelection next year.

Lautenberg, a World War II vet who turned 89 in January, emerged from a Senate vote Thursday and told reporters that he felt "disconsolate" about leaving.

"I liked serving here," he said, recounting his time in the U.S. Army and receiving a Columbia degree presented by Dwight D. Eisenhower, then the school's president.

But with younger candidates already announcing their intention to run for his seat, Lautenberg said it was time to open the door to others.

"I will have been here 30 years when I finish two years hence and . . . I think that the time was right," he said. "It was nothing other than clear decision making."

A possible primary challenge did not affect his decision - despite polls showing Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who stated his intention to run in December, as the heavy favorite in a potential match up.

"I leave here feeling good about the contributions that I've been able to make," Lautenberg said.

As he spoke, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) walked by and clapped Lautenberg on the shoulders. "He's the greatest; we're going to miss him," Schumer said.

Democrats in Trenton and Washington showered Lautenberg with praise Thursday, calling him "a lion of the Democratic Party" whose work on public health and safety issues changed life in America.

Even President Obama lauded the senator.

"Frank is a steadfast champion of the people of New Jersey," Obama said in a statement. "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."Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona noted that Lautenberg is the last World War II veteran in Congress.

Lautenberg is one of the Senate's most liberal members. His landmark legislation includes banning smoking on airplanes, setting a national blood-alcohol limit of .08 for drunk driving, and forbidding those convicted of domestic violence crimes from possessing a firearm.

"When the history books are written, Frank Lautenberg will be remembered as a tenacious fighter for not only the people of New Jersey but literally the people of our country," said State Assemblyman John Wisniewski, chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. "He has taken his humble origins and he always remembered that when voting on legislation.

Although Gov. Christie is up for reelection this year, the 2014 Senate race grabbed the limelight in December when Booker said he wanted to run for Lautenberg's seat.

State Democrats had hoped that Booker, 43, would take on popular Christie in the gubernatorial race this year. Booker has become a national figure through his massive Twitter following, his hands-on governing style (he digs out cars during snowstorms and he recently sheltered a dog left in the cold), and his heroics (he ran into a burning building to save his neighbor).

Booker's announcement riled Lautenberg, who, in keeping with his reputation as a scrappy outsider with a sharp tongue, chided the mayor for getting ahead of himself.

He even joked that he would "spank" Booker.

"I have four children, I love each one of them. I can't tell you that one of them wasn't occasionally disrespectful, so I gave them a spanking and everything was OK," Lautenberg told The Inquirer.

But Lautenberg indicated on Thursday that he doesn't hold a grudge.

He declined to endorse any potential successors and noted that there are several potentially strong candidates from the U.S. House who may be interested in the Senate seat.

Booker spoke only accolades about Lautenberg on Thursday. He said the elder senator was a "strong model of leadership and service."

"Here in Newark, his tireless advocacy and numerous contributions have helped our city endure difficult days and are now fueling our turn toward growth, promise and endless possibility," Booker said. "Newarkers know, from our airport and the roads we drive on to our schools and services for our seniors, Frank Lautenberg has helped empower people and strengthen our city."

Christie, who has battled with Lautenberg since he became governor in 2010, said he owed the senator for his help in recent months.

"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," Christie said in a statement.

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D., Essex) are both considering a run for Lautenberg's seat. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D., N.J.) is considered a likely opponent, although he has not announced his intentions.

U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D., N.J.), who ran in a primary against Lautenberg in 2008, said it's "extremely unlikely" that he would run for Senate again, though he did not rule it out, saying "you never say never."

"I would rather be in a leadership position in the House than a freshman in the Senate," Andrews said.