Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s (D-NJ) office issued a statement on Thursday beating back some speculation after Newark Mayor Cory Booker announced he intends to challenge Lautenberg in 2014.
“Senator Lautenberg is focused on passing a critical disaster relief bill for New Jersey and addressing America’s broken gun laws,” emailed Caley Gray, a spokesman. “The last several months and weeks have been a painful time for New Jersey and America, and the Senator is working on the tough issues we face. This is not the time for political distractions and the Senator will address politics next year.”
