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Frank Lautenberg

From Alfawiki
Frank Lautenberg
Born (1924-01-23) 23 January 1924 (age 102)
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
Died3 June 2013(2013-06-03) (aged 89)
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, politician
Years active1949–2013
Known forU.S. Senator from New Jersey, CEO of Automatic Data Processing

Frank Raleigh Lautenberg (; January 23, 1924 – June 3, 2013) was an American entrepreneur and a member of the Democratic Party who served as a U.S. Senator representing New Jersey from 1982 until 2001, and then again from 2003 until his passing in 2013. A native of Paterson, New Jersey, he was elected to the Senate five times.

Lautenberg began his Senate career in December 1982, completing three full terms before stepping down in 2001. He made a comeback in 2003 during a difficult re-election period for his colleague Robert Torricelli, securing another term and winning re-election once more in 2008. At the time of his death, he held the distinction of being New Jersey’s longest-serving senator, having spent over 28 years in office.

Prior to entering politics, Lautenberg was an early investor, chairman, and chief executive officer at Automatic Data Processing, Inc., a leading firm in business services. His military service included time with the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II (1942–1946), an experience that shaped his future public endeavors.

Often described as "the last of the New Deal liberals," Lautenberg was a strong advocate for laws targeting drunk driving and pushed for increased funding for Amtrak and urban mass transit systems. His legislative priorities included strengthening environmental protections, enhancing consumer rights, and pursuing investigations into financial misconduct on Wall Street, reflecting a progressive agenda emphasizing public interest and economic regulation.

Early life and career

Born in Paterson, New Jersey to Jewish immigrant parents from Poland and Russia, Lautenberg was named after his maternal grandfather, Frank Bergen, as well as a local community leader. Raised in a working-class household, his father worked in silk mills and various trades but passed away from cancer when Lautenberg was 19 years old. Following this loss, his mother operated a sandwich shop to support the family.

After graduating from Nutley High School in 1941, he served in the United States Army Signal Corps during World War II between 1942 and 1946. Utilizing benefits provided by the GI Bill, he earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Columbia Business School in 1949.

Lautenberg launched his professional journey as a salesman with Prudential Insurance before becoming the first salesperson hired by Automatic Data Processing (ADP), a payroll services company. He ultimately rose to become ADP’s CEO in 1975. Additionally, he was executive commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 1978 until 1982.

He also held prominent positions within Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, including serving on the board of governors for the Jewish Agency for Israel and presiding over the American Friends of the Hebrew University. In 1974, Lautenberg became the youngest-ever chairperson of the United Jewish Appeal, where he significantly boosted fundraising efforts. During the late 1970s, he was appointed to the President's Commission on the Holocaust.

Early years

For many years prior to holding office, Lautenberg actively supported Democratic candidates, contributing $90,000 to George McGovern's presidential campaign in 1972—a contribution that placed him on one of President Richard Nixon’s political enemies lists. In the 1982 Democratic primary, he competed against nine contenders including former Congressmen Joseph A. LeFante and Andrew Maguire, labor leader Frank Forst, and various local officials. Though Maguire was regarded as the frontrunner, vote fragmentation enabled Lautenberg to win with a plurality of 26%.

The Senate seat had been vacated by Democrat Harrison A. Williams following the Abscam scandal; Republican Governor Thomas Kean temporarily appointed Republican Nicholas F. Brady. In the general election, Lautenberg faced popular Republican congresswoman Millicent Fenwick, who led polls by as much as 18 points during summer 1982. Outspending Fenwick by nearly two-to-one, Lautenberg highlighted President Reagan’s unpopularity and questioned Fenwick’s prospects for Senate seniority due to her age. Ultimately, Lautenberg narrowly prevailed with 51% to Fenwick’s 48%, marking a significant upset. Brady resigned slightly ahead of schedule to grant Lautenberg an advantage in seniority.

During his initial term, Lautenberg promoted passage of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act (1984) and delivered a speech at that year’s Democratic National Convention. In his successful re-election campaign in 1988, he faced Republican Wall Street executive and former Army football player Brigadier General Pete Dawkins. Despite trailing early polls, Lautenberg’s campaign—managed by consultant James Carville—emphasized his legislative achievements while casting doubt on Dawkins’ connections to New Jersey and presidential ambitions. Lautenberg secured victory with 54% against Dawkins’ 46%. This contest became known as one of the most contentious campaigns in American political history.

Following the 1988 election, Lautenberg joined the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism after the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. In 1989, he co-sponsored what became known as the Lautenberg Amendment, which granted presumptive refugee status to Soviet Jews and other groups fleeing persecution—facilitating immigration of hundreds of thousands into the United States.

Lautenberg won re-election again in 1994 despite the national Republican surge known as the Republican Revolution, defeating New Jersey Assembly Speaker Chuck Haytaian by a margin of 50% to 47%. By 1999, potential Republican opponents included Governor Christine Todd Whitman and former Governor Thomas Kean, with polling indicating that Lautenberg trailed both candidates. His difficult relationship with fellow Senator Robert Torricelli, who was suspected of encouraging Whitman’s candidacy, further complicated his political standing. Facing challenges in fundraising and unwilling to invest additional personal funds into campaigning, Lautenberg announced his retirement in 2000 but rejected claims that vulnerability motivated this decision—stating "Mr. Vulnerable always wins." Businessman Democrat Jon Corzine succeeded him in office.

2002 election

Lautenberg quickly came to regret his decision to retire, particularly after neither Whitman nor Kean entered the race against Corzine in the general election—Republican Congressman Bob Franks did run but was defeated. Having missed the Senate seat, Lautenberg contemplated another campaign but faced challenges since Senator Torricelli had endorsed Corzine’s bid. Just over a year following his departure from office, an opening presented itself.

During the 2002 midterm election primaries, Torricelli secured the Democratic nomination for a second term in the Senate, competing against Republican West Windsor Mayor Doug Forrester. Torricelli was widely expected to prevail, as no Republican had captured a New Jersey Senate seat since 1972. However, a federal corruption probe resulted in charges against Torricelli shortly before the election, causing his support to collapse and leading to his withdrawal on September 30, 2002.

After efforts to recruit former Senator Bill Bradley, Congressman Frank Pallone, and future Senator Robert Menendez proved unsuccessful, the New Jersey Democratic Party selected Lautenberg as their candidate. Republicans contested the substitution on the ballot due to state law deadlines, but the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously upheld Lautenberg’s candidacy, ruling that the statute did not foresee an emergency resignation and that retaining Torricelli on the ballot would unfairly benefit Forrester. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the decision. Following Lautenberg’s entrance into the race, Forrester’s lead dissipated, and Lautenberg secured victory with 54% of the vote compared to Forrester’s 44%.

Back in the Senate

Although he had previously served over 18 years, Lautenberg returned to the Senate with freshman seniority, contrary to expectations that Democratic leader Tom Daschle would preserve his rank and Appropriations Committee position. Lautenberg expressed dissatisfaction with being assigned a less prominent office.

He resumed his standing as one of the Senate’s most progressive voices, supporting pro-choice initiatives, advocating for gun control measures, and pushing for stricter penalties for carjacking and vehicle theft. He was a frequent critic of the Bush administration on national security issues. Lautenberg championed legislation targeting smoking and airline safety, co-sponsored tougher drunk driving laws, and authored landmark legislation banning smoking on most commercial flights. Additionally, he authored the Ryan White Care Act, which provides services for AIDS patients. He was also the first senator to propose allocating homeland security funding based solely on assessments of risk and vulnerability.

In 2005, he spearheaded calls for an investigation into payments made by the Bush administration to columnists. After Senator Jon Corzine resigned in 2006 to become Governor of New Jersey, Lautenberg regained senior senator status—making him uniquely both junior and senior senator from New Jersey twice each during his career. The Drum Major Institute awarded him an "A" rating on middle-class issues in its 2005 Congressional Scorecard.

In 2007, Lautenberg introduced the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2007, designed to prevent individuals on terrorist watchlists from purchasing firearms. On June 21, 2007, he surpassed Clifford Case for receiving the highest number of votes ever recorded on the Senate floor by any New Jersey senator in history.

2008 election

In February 2006, Lautenberg declared his plan to run for another term in the 2008 Senate contest, describing his choice not to campaign in 2000 as "one of the worst decisions" he ever made. He officially kicked off his campaign on March 31, 2008, appointing Brendan W. Gill as his campaign manager.

Potential contenders such as Congressman Steve Rothman and State Senator John Adler contemplated entering the race but ultimately stepped aside in favor of Lautenberg. Congressman Rob Andrews instead joined the Democratic primary, competing against Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello, who had previously challenged Lautenberg in a primary. Andrews’ campaign struggled, partly due to his vote on the Iraq War, and despite backing from Senator Bob Menendez, Lautenberg secured a commanding primary victory with 59% compared to Andrews’ 35%.

In the general election, Lautenberg triumphed over former Congressman Dick Zimmer, winning 56% to 42%. During this election cycle, the editorial board of the New York Times endorsed Lautenberg’s bid.

Opponents frequently raised concerns about Lautenberg’s age; Andrews referenced Lautenberg’s 1982 race against Millicent Fenwick, where age was reportedly a campaign issue. Lautenberg refuted claims of using age as a tactic, stating he only questioned Fenwick's capability to fulfill the responsibilities.

Final years

In June 2010, Lautenberg made a controversial comparison between the devil and Dubai, asserting, "We wouldn't transfer the title to the devil, and we're not going to transfer it to Dubai." This statement was tied to the UAE's refusal to align with U.S. policies regarding Israel and Iran. Following discussions with representatives from the Arab American Institute, Lautenberg issued an apology in writing.

On February 14, 2013, he announced his decision not to seek re-election, humorously mentioning he might reconsider if given a compelling reason. At the time of his passing from viral pneumonia at age 89, he held the distinction of being the oldest serving senator and was the last Senate member who had served in World War II.

Committee assignments

Lautenberg held influential roles on several Senate committees focusing on appropriations, commerce, science, transportation, and environmental matters:

Political positions and votes

  • Agriculture – In 2007, Lautenberg supported an amendment aiming to cap farm subsidies at $250,000 per married couple; however, it did not pass. He opposed removing farm price supports and backed the 2007 farm legislation. Additionally, he advocated for raising the minimum wage.
  • Civil liberties – Absent during the initial 2001 Patriot Act vote, he opposed cloture in 2005 but ultimately voted for its reauthorization. In 2011, he controversially remarked that Tea Party Republicans "don't deserve the freedoms that are in the Constitution... but we'll give them to them anyway."
  • Environment and energy – As author of the 1986 legislation creating the Toxics Release Inventory requiring chemical emission disclosures from companies, Lautenberg played a key role. He co-sponsored the 2008 Consumer First Energy Act aiming to repeal $17 billion in oil company tax breaks to fund renewable energy initiatives; this effort failed in the Senate. During his final term, he introduced bipartisan reforms for chemical safety laws and supported tax incentives for alternative energy sources.
  • Foreign policy – Lautenberg opposed dismantling essential U.S. agencies and resisted capping foreign aid budgets by voting to fund the IMF. He voted against trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA and called for WTO intervention against OPEC’s crude oil price manipulation. Though not serving during its authorization, he opposed the Iraq War.
  • Gun control – A steadfast proponent of gun regulation, Lautenberg sponsored the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban ("Lautenberg Amendment"), which bars firearm possession by individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors. One of his final speeches in the Senate advocated bipartisan gun control reforms.
  • Homeland security – He supported initiatives like the Container Security Initiative designed to screen cargo containers for radiological threats before arrival at U.S. ports despite concerns about associated costs.
  • Public health – Lautenberg authored landmark laws such as the National Minimum Drinking Age Act (1984), setting drinking age at 21, and legislation establishing a blood alcohol limit of 0.08 for driving (2000). He also championed bans on smoking aboard airplanes and within federal buildings serving children.
  • Social issues – Pro-choice throughout his career, Lautenberg opposed bans on partial-birth abortions and endorsed embryonic stem cell research. The NAACP awarded him a perfect score for affirmative action support. He strongly advocated same-sex marriage rights by voting against constitutional bans and backing anti-discrimination protections for LGBT individuals. Though he voted for the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, he later supported equal marriage rights. The Human Rights Campaign gave him a 100% rating. He co-sponsored legislation removing deadlines related to the Equal Rights Amendment.
  • Tax policy – Lautenberg opposed repealing both the Alternative Minimum Tax and estate tax. He supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that included $280 billion in tax breaks for individuals along with renewable energy incentives. He voted to increase taxes on incomes exceeding $1 million (2008) and backed repealing capital gains tax cuts (2006).
  • Transportation – A vigorous supporter of public transit funding, Lautenberg sponsored the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 aimed at expanding Amtrak services. Rising fuel prices during this time contributed to increased Amtrak ridership. He endorsed New Jersey commuter rail projects and criticized Governor Chris Christie's cancellation of Access to the Region's Core as a significant policy misstep. The Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station at Secaucus Junction was named after him in recognition of his efforts securing federal funds.
  • Miscellaneous – Amidst the late-2000s economic downturn, Lautenberg backed major Democratic relief legislation including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, and Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009.

Family

In 1956, Frank Lautenberg wed Lois Levenson, and together they had four children: Ellen, Nan, Lisa, and Joshua. Their marriage lasted 31 years before ending in divorce in 1988. On January 25, 2004, he married Bonnie S. Englebardt, who had been his partner for nearly 16 years. Additionally, he was a stepfather to two daughters, Danielle and Lara Englebardt Metz, and had thirteen grandchildren.

Throughout much of his tenure in the Senate, Lautenberg resided in Montclair, New Jersey, later moving to nearby Cliffside Park. In 2024, President Joe Biden—who served alongside Lautenberg in the Senate for over twenty years—posthumously honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Health

On February 19, 2010, it was publicly disclosed by Lautenberg’s office that he had been diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a highly aggressive yet treatable form of blood cancer that affects organs such as the stomach. This diagnosis followed his hospitalization at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York due to severe gastric bleeding after a fall at his Cliffside Park residence shortly after returning from a congressional trip to Haiti. He was discharged on February 25, 2010. His treatment involved six to eight cycles of the intensive R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen administered every three weeks over several months, with physicians anticipating a full recovery. Lautenberg continued fulfilling his Senate responsibilities during this period and declared himself cancer-free on June 26, 2010.

Wealth

By 2010, Lautenberg’s net worth was estimated to range from $55 million to $116.1 million, making him the fifth wealthiest member of the Senate. After being elected to the Senate, he began amassing a collection of modern art, much of which was sold after his passing.

Death

Frank Lautenberg passed away on June 3, 2013, at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan due to viral pneumonia. He was aged 89.

His remains were transported back to Washington aboard an Amtrak funeral train. Amtrak Chairman Tony Cosica and President/CEO Joseph Boardman expressed their honor in providing this final journey and thanked Lautenberg for his dedicated public service.

On June 6, 2013, Lautenberg lay in repose on the Lincoln Catafalque within the Senate chamber at the Capitol. The following day, June 7, he was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

On September 20, 2013, Congress approved a spending bill that included a $174,000 tax-exempt death benefit payable to his widow—a continuation of the longstanding practice of providing annual salary payments to surviving family members of deceased legislators.

Succession

Governor Chris Christie announced on June 4, 2013, that a special election to fill Lautenberg’s vacant Senate seat would take place on October 16, 2013. The primary election held on August 13 saw Democrat Cory Booker and Republican Steve Lonegan emerge as their parties’ nominees.

On June 6, Christie appointed Republican New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa as an interim Senator until the elected successor assumed office.

Cory Booker won the special election on October 17, 2013, and has represented the seat since then.

Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area

The Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area is a federally designated offshore marine protected area, established in 2016 off the coast of the United States’ Mid-Atlantic states. Named in honor of Lautenberg, this protected zone preserves deep-sea coral ecosystems by prohibiting deep-water fishing activities within its boundaries, thereby promoting marine biodiversity and sustainable management of ocean resources.

Electoral history

Frank Lautenberg's results in United States Senate elections are as follows:

  • 1982 Senate election
  • 1988 Senate election
    • Frank Lautenberg (Democrat, incumbent), 54%
    • Pete Dawkins (Republican), 45%
  • 1994 Senate election
    • Frank Lautenberg (Democrat, incumbent), 50%
    • Chuck Haytaian (Republican), 47%
    • Other candidates combined less than 2%
  • 2002 Senate election
  • 2008 Senate election
    • Frank Lautenberg (Democrat, incumbent), 56%
    • Dick Zimmer (Republican), 42%

See also

Sources

External links



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