Politics | Frank Lautenberg Lautenberg, 89, Won't Run for Re-Election in Senate Democrat's decision paves way for Cory Booker By John Johnson Posted Feb 14, 2013 2:32 PM CST Copied In this May 3, 2012, file photo, Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., smiles as he stands on the Rutgers-Camden campus in Camden, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File) Liberal stalwart Sen. Frank Lautenberg says he won't run for re-election to his New Jersey seat in 2014, reports the Star-Ledger. The 89-year-old ended the speculation weeks after Newark Mayor Cory Booker made it clear he'd like to run if Lautenberg stepped down. Who knows, maybe this sets up a Booker showdown in the general election with ... Geraldo Rivera. In the meantime, though, Lautenberg tells the Star-Ledger that he doesn't plan to coast on his way out: “I am not announcing the end of anything. I am announcing the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals, and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey. While I may not be seeking re-election, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term ..." Read These Next A space capsule carrying ashes of 160 people crashed in the ocean. A lesson in minding your own business ... at 30,000 feet. The death toll in the Texas floods has risen to 27, including 9 kids. Desperate search for missing campers continues in Texas. Report an error