Lautenberg Has Stomach Cancer

While I detest the man's politics, I can do anything but wish him well.

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, New Jersey’s 86-year-old senior senator, was diagnosed with treatable cancer in the stomach in the last 24 hours and will begin chemotherapy today.

The Democrat still plans to finish out his current term – his fifth in the Senate – and seek re-election in 2014.

“This doesn’t change any of that,” Lautenberg’s chief aide, Dan Katz, said of the senator’s political plans. “After he receives his treatment, back to normal.”

Back to normal for most 86-year-olds would be retirement. But I surmise he doesn't want Republican Governor Chris Christie appointing his successor, nor do any other DC Democrats.

Seeking re-election at 90, nearly five years from now? I don't see it.