NJ Sen. Frank Lautenberg says he will retire, paving way for Booker run

by Andrew Taylor, Associated Press |
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) (C) speaks to members of the press as he arrives at the weekly Senate Democratic Policy Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol January 29, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Senate Democrats gathered at the luncheon to discuss Senate Democratic agendas. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) (C) speaks to members of the press as he arrives at the weekly Senate Democratic Policy Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol January 29, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Senate Democrats gathered at the luncheon to discuss Senate Democratic agendas. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg (LOW’-tuhn-burg) says he will not seek re-election.

The 89-year-old lawmaker is the last remaining veteran of World War II in the Senate and has been elected easily five times but was facing a likely challenge from charismatic Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

Lautenberg is a staunch advocate of gun control and public infrastructure and is a champion of the Amtrak railroad.

Lautenberg first won election to the Senate in 1982.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.