A question that has emerged at the Democratic National Convention for New Jersey delegates is where Sen. Frank Lautenberg has been. He didn’t arrive in Charlotte for the beginning of the Democratic National Convention and missed his own celebration Tuesday night. Some have said the move was strategic to miss Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s platform address because Booker may be planning to challenge Lautenberg for his political seat, but Lautenberg told NJ Today Managing Editor Mike Schneider that he’s not worried about Booker’s aspirations.
Lautenberg said he had a longstanding family commitment to attend Tuesday and that was the reason for arriving in Charlotte late for the DNC. “I’m glad to be here. And I’m glad to see how lively things are. People are enthusiastic,” he said. “I think that the Democrats have delivered very well to the people across the country about what counts.”
When asked how he thought Booker did, Lautenberg said he hadn’t listened to the speech but heard reports it was well done. “I’m not surprised,” Lautenberg said. “He’s a very good speaker and an attractive personality.”
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Lautenberg said he’s not concerned with reports that Booker wants to take his seat, saying it’s the nature of politics for people to challenge others. He was vague when asked if he would be running for reelection. “I’m going to be here to get the job done,” he said. “I’ve got important things in the making and I feel good and I enjoy what I’m doing, but more importantly my obligation to the people of this state is the overwhelming thing.”
Some Republicans have said Mitt Romney has the chance to win New Jersey in November, but Lautenberg disagrees. “I think it would be darn near impossible because the people of New Jersey want someone in office who cares about the issues that affect them,” he said, adding he believes it will be difficult for Republicans to convince the many voters in New Jersey who need help or are unemployed to vote for their nominee.
Lautenberg was disappointed by Gov. Chris Christie’s keynote address at the Republican National Convention. “I thought that it was truly Christie at his angry best, that he looked like he had a hammer in hand and he was there to teach a lesson rather than to tell people exactly how he can help them. And that was missing and that was too bad,” he said. “But he is the governor of the state. He has numerous obligations there and I don’t think he presented us as well as he should.”