Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) passed away today of complications from viral pneumonia. Governor Christie will pick his successor.
The Ticket reported:
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., died overnight of complications from viral pneumonia, his office said Monday.
At 89, Lautenberg was the oldest senator—and the last World War II veteran serving in that legislative body. He enlisted at 18 and served in the Army Signal Corps in Europe during the war.
Lautenberg served on the Senate Committees on Appropriations; Commerce Science and Transportation; and Environment and Public Works. He had struggled with health problems earlier this year and already had announced that he would not run for re-election in 2014.
Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, can appoint someone to fill the vacancy, according to The Bergen Record, which was first to report the news. Christie will schedule a special election to find a permanent successor–a decision that is sure to impact what was already considered a heated race to replace him.