Frank Lautenberg Dies: Chris Christie to Appoint Replacement to Finish His Term

New Jersey Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg died Monday morning at 89. He took the oath of office as senator for the first time in 1982. He was the oldest serving senator and the longest serving senator in NJ history. He was also the last World War II veteran serving in the Senate. He announced earlier this year that he would not run for reelection in 2014. Under New Jersey law Gov. Chris Christie will appoint a replacement to finish his term. 

He made his fortune as Chairman and CEO of ADP, a direct mail company he founded. He gave Democrats a strong business credential, and was always an advocate for stricter gun control and smoking bans. Despite the notion that all business executives are in favor of smaller government, he was an advocate for an activist government.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker will be running for the Senate seat in 2014, with Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno as the GOP front-runner.