NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg Dies

New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, the oldest member of the U.S. Senate, died Monday.

FOX News Radio’s Mike Majchrowitz reports:

The 89-year-old Lautenberg died from viral pneumonia. The Democrat had been having health difficulties since late last year and missed several weeks of votes from what was described at the time as flu and bronchitis. He was on his second stint as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey, having served from 1982 to 2001 then returning from a brief retirement to help Democrats hold the seat in 2002 after Bob Torricelli withdrew while facing corruption charges. Lautenberg’s death is expected to shift the make up of the Senate, his replacement to be named by Republican Governor Chris Christie.

At the White House, Mike Majchrowitz, FOX News Radio.

READ a statement by the President on the passing of Senator Lautenberg: 

“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg, a proud New Jerseyan who lived America’s promise as a citizen, and fought to keep that promise alive as a Senator.

The son of working-class immigrants, Frank joined the Army during World War II, went to college on the GI Bill, and co-founded one of America’s most successful companies. First elected to the Senate in 1982, he improved the lives of countless Americans with his commitment to our nation’s health and safety, from improving our public transportation to protecting citizens from gun violence to ensuring that members of our military and their families get the care they deserve.  Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to Bonnie, the Lautenberg family, and the people of New Jersey, whom Frank served so well.”