[PHILLY] New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a defiantly liberal Democrat who represented his home state for nearly 30 years, died overnight, his office confirmed Monday morning.Another Senator-for-Life leaves office feet first...
Lautenberg, the last World War II veteran serving in the Senate, was 89. He died of complications from viral pneumonia at 4:02 a.m. today at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, according to his office.
"What kinda complications?"
"He pegged out."
Lautenberg had struggled with health issues for months, including a bout of the flu and bronchitis in the winter and pain and weakness in his legs, which have forced him to miss most Senate votes since the end of February.
"He's retired, Jim!"
Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, will appoint a replacement.