Senator Frank Lautenberg Defies Booker, Time

In his first big comments since Mayor Booker announced his non-intention intentions, the Phialdelphia Inquirer relays the incredibly old Senator still has a lot of life left in him. The ancient one spoke up about his indecision on running again, citing his desire to do more: "I've got a lot of work to do yet, serious things and we pride ourselves (in) my office and my team (on) getting things done. That's the focus. I'm not thinking about the politics right now".

As for the challenge from Mayor Cory Booker, he welcomed him to the fight but warned it wasn't his to walk with:
"He's entitled to do it," his oldness croaked out. "He'll have to stand on his record and I'm sure he won't be a lone soldier out there drooling at the mouth and wanting this cushy job that we have here."

Either Lautenberg or Booker would exit the Democratic primary as the clear favorite heading into November. Republicans haven't had a competitive race in over a decade, and with easier targets elsewhere, New Jersey will stay blue. Perhaps the only benefit to Republicans if Lautenberg runs again and Booker steps back is he can't be replaced at the last minute by Democrats with Lautenberg in the event Lautenberg is no longer viable and a threat to keeping the Lautenberg seat.

posted by CAC at 07:07 PM

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