Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) To Retire, Good News For Cory Booker

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) announced today that he will not seek reelection in 2014. Lautenberg, 89, is the oldest member and the last World War II veteran in the Senate.

Upon the news of Lautenberg's retirement, the senator won praise from both sides of the aisle. President Obama called Lautenberg a "steadfast champion" for New Jersey. "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," he said. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, said he always respected the senator for "his tenacity, devotion to the people of New Jersey and his love and commitment to public service." Booker called Lautenberg a "champion" for Garden State residents.

Lautenberg's retirement all but guarantees a win for Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who announced his interest in the seat last month.

UPDATE: The Human Rights Campaign reacts.

"For well over a decade, Senator Lautenberg has received a 100% rating on the HRC Scorecard, which scores members of congress on their positions on LGBT-related legislation. Following the tragic death of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, Sen. Lautenberg introduced the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act to help combat harassment and cyberbullying on college campuses."

TRIVIA:  Lautenberg's most-remembered legacy might be the battle to pass his ultimately successful bill to ban smoking on commercial aircraft.