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Lautenberg Now Oldest in Senate

With the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 86-year-old Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.) becomes the oldest U.S. senator now serving.

In this June 1963 photo, President John F. Kennedy shakes hands with Sen. Robert C. Byrd at American University's graduation. Kennedy got an honorary doctor of law degree.
In this June 1963 photo, President John F. Kennedy shakes hands with Sen. Robert C. Byrd at American University's graduation. Kennedy got an honorary doctor of law degree.Read moreAssociated Press, File
    Inquirer
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With the death of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 86-year-old Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.) becomes the oldest U.S. senator now serving.

Lautenberg had a bout with cancer earlier this year but said Saturday that he was cancer-free.

He was hospitalized in mid-February and treated for a bleeding ulcer. His staff later said he had B-cell lymphoma in his stomach. He began chemotherapy and returned to work in March. He announced he was cancer-free during a Garden State Equality Legends Dinner in Maplewood.

Lautenberg is one of the most liberal senators and has lobbied successfully for billions in transportation funds for New Jersey.

Though some Democrats expected Lautenberg to retire in 2008, he defied them and won a fifth term. But his Democratic primary rival and his Republican general election rival raised his age as an issue. It is unknown whether he will run again in 2014.

- Cynthia BurtonEndText

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