Frank Lautenberg diagnosed with stomach cancer
posted at 1:08 pm on February 19, 2010 by Allahpundit
Poor guy. He fell down a few days ago and was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer, but upon further review it’s quite a bit worse than that: B-cell lymphoma, which is fast-growing but evidently responds well enough to chemo that half the people who are treated for it recover. Here’s hoping.
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.”
Moments ago, Lautenberg’s office issued a statement from the senator’s oncologist, James F. Holland, saying:
“We expect a full and complete recovery for Senator Lautenberg. The senator will be treated with chemotherapy administered approximately every three weeks. We anticipate that he will receive between six and eight treatments, and in between treatments, the senator is expected to be back at work in the Senate.”
He’s 86, which means he’d be seeking reelection in 2014 as … a 90-year-old cancer survivor. He can take as much time away from Congress as he needs to recuperate — remember how long Tim Johnson’s absence was after he had that stroke? — but this is another thorn in Reid’s side in the short term. He’s been busy looking for the 60th vote for the Democrats’ jobs bill and now, suddenly, he has to look for a 59th vote too. When it rains, it pours.
Something worth flagging in case Lautenberg opts for early retirement: New Jersey Democrats introduced a bill in the state legislature back in November, almost certainly with him in mind, to replace special elections for vacant U.S. Senate seats with a rule that would let the governor appoint a successor. With one catch — the governor could only appoint someone from the same party as the outgoing senator. Obviously, that’s a response to Chris Christie’s gubernatorial win, with state Dems worried that in this political climate a special election would be no automatic win even in a state as blue as Jersey. Their fears proved well founded two months later in Massachusetts; I wonder what’ll happen to that bill in light of today’s news.
Blowback
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Wooops! Betcha they now wish they had that one back now don’t they?
NJ Dem facepalm
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Hasn’t been a good couple weeks for Sen. Lautenburg.
I wish him a swift recovery.
It’s time to leave Washington to the morons and spend the rest of your days soaking up some family.
uknowmorethanme on February 19, 2010 at 1:12 PM
He would have to be replaced with another ‘Rat? Jeez these guys are corrupt…
Keef Overbite on February 19, 2010 at 1:12 PM
I’m sure GOV Corzine is looking forward to making that appointment if Mr. Lautenberg cannot finish his term…..er, wait..one min..?!
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 1:12 PM
SEN L: God bless you sir and we wish you well.
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Sorry for your troubles, Senator Lautenberg.
But, I hear the doctors have given you hope for a full recovery.
Good news.
HornetSting on February 19, 2010 at 1:13 PM
Chemo will not be fun for a guy in his 80s. Not that it’s fun for younger people.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on February 19, 2010 at 1:14 PM
Is the average age of dems in congress 75?
txag92 on February 19, 2010 at 1:14 PM
Almost certainly unconstitutional; it violates the civil rights of citizens who opt not to register with any party.
Chris_Balsz on February 19, 2010 at 1:14 PM
Does the governor have to appoint a replacement? That’s pretty weak to force Christie to appoint a Dem. He should just leave the seat vacant if the legislature is gonna try to tie his hands like that.
Doughboy on February 19, 2010 at 1:14 PM
: New Jersey Democrats introduced a bill in the state legislature back in November, almost certainly with him in mind, to replace special elections for vacant U.S. Senate seats with a rule that would let the governor appoint a successor. With one catch — the governor could only appoint someone from the same party as the outgoing senator.
Them donks know how to load the dice…..bast@rds.
SHARPTOOTH on February 19, 2010 at 1:15 PM
Cancer is joke man, the natural enemy of the human body. Good luck and God bless.
Tony737 on February 19, 2010 at 1:15 PM
He should just leave the seat vacant if the legislature is gonna try to tie his hands like that.
Doughboy on February 19, 2010 at 1:14 PM
righto—have a special election and see what happens…. let the people of NJ speeak. Heck, even get pookie out again..
ted c on February 19, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Yeah, because once a Dem wins a seat, especially in a blue state, the Dems are entitled to that seat forever. How is this even legal? Isn’t it encroaching on the executive branch or something?
changer1701 on February 19, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Would any appointed senator serve out the term or serve until the next election?
Wethal on February 19, 2010 at 1:16 PM
This is the law in about a dozen states.
Wethal on February 19, 2010 at 1:17 PM
Im from NJ and Im sorry for what Mr. Lautenberg is going to undertake to cure his illness and I strongly urge him, for our country’s sake and for his health that he immediately resign.
Willie on February 19, 2010 at 1:17 PM
I eagerly await his trip North to receive some of that superior Canadian health care, that the greedy private insurance companies haven’t ruined.
RBMN on February 19, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Condolences? Allah, the guy is not dead. Where I come from that term is reserved for someones family member or friend that has passed away.
CTSherman on February 19, 2010 at 1:18 PM
If he were Obama Hell-Care he would be given some pain pills and not the treatment to cure the cancer. Never forget that.
jukin on February 19, 2010 at 1:18 PM
I hope the senator the best with his help but as I noted in the headlines the suggestion that they can’t find a good young liberal candidate in New Jersey gives me a better opinion of our chances then before.
Cindy Munford on February 19, 2010 at 1:18 PM
Sad.
Most 86 year old men have atleast one form of cancer.
portlandon on February 19, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Isn’t it great our political leaders are so wrapped up in their narcissism that must maintain their power till they die. In a sane world that alone should be grounds to remove him from the Senate.
lowandslow on February 19, 2010 at 1:20 PM
He’s dead…
NRA Lifer on February 19, 2010 at 1:21 PM
i don’t think that bill has been signed into law; can anyone tell me? if so, typical NJ, stupid!
Willie on February 19, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Lautenberg is considered one of the Senate’s most liberal members. He is pro-choice, supports gun control and has criticized the Bush administration on national security issues.
Senator Lautenberg wants the federal government to spend more taxpayer dollars on public transportation projects such as Amtrak.
He has voted in favor of expanding embryonic stem cell research. The NAACP gave him a 100% rating, indicating his strong support for affirmative action.
Guardian on February 19, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Shut up, will ya? Cancer is no joke!
newton on February 19, 2010 at 1:21 PM
That’s horrible.
It's Vintage, Duh on February 19, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Darn it, help is suppose to be health.
Cindy Munford on February 19, 2010 at 1:25 PM
I’m a cancer survivor and I wish him all the best. I also wish there were term limits for people that can’t just retire and enjoy what is left of their lives.
DanaSmiles on February 19, 2010 at 1:26 PM
The NJ Dems will probably want to resurrect Bob Torricelli to replace him.
JammieWearingFool on February 19, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Yes, this is red meat and just pure partisan sour grapes by the Dems.
But it is also irrelevant.
Christie would have to sign the bill into law before we can even begin speculation.
Raise your hand if you think that will happen.
uknowmorethanme on February 19, 2010 at 1:28 PM
How can Sen. Lautenberg enjoy life, if he’s not able to screw over conservatives?
RBMN on February 19, 2010 at 1:29 PM
I’m sure Christie will not sign the bill. Whether or not they have the votes to over-ride a veto is another question (I’ll just assume they do since it’s NJ), but in the meantime he could appoint someone immediately after his veto and before they could over-ride it. The lefty heads would explode, and MSNBC would be a riot to watch.
Slightly O/T prediction: Sheets Byrd is, er, out of the Senate by Easter.
SouthernGent on February 19, 2010 at 1:29 PM
Strozek the Elder succumbed to lymphoma at age 95, after a two-year battle.
It is an unpleasant illness.
Best wishes to the Senator.
Bruno Strozek on February 19, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Or, he could just leave the damn thing in his Inbox and go about business as usual.
uknowmorethanme on February 19, 2010 at 1:31 PM
OK, I’ll re-register as Democrat, Christie can appoint me, and I’ll re-register as Republican after being sworn in. I can’t imagine there’s any real enforcement provisions for this law that wouldn’t be beaten by that simple trick.
joe_doufu on February 19, 2010 at 1:31 PM
That old bag was elected through thoroughly unethical means that the Jersey courts and Democratic party enabled. I don’t forget these things… Mr. TORRCELLI.
leftnomore on February 19, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Mike Honcho on February 19, 2010 at 1:34 PM
Surely this law is unconstitutional and must be repealed immediately.
-crr6
angryed on February 19, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Yes. Unless it’s like here in NC, where the guvnah doesn’t have to sign some bills…they just automatically “happen”. (Don’t ask me…I just live in this Yankee-infested state).
SouthernGent on February 19, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Wait a second, the party of Arlen Specter says what???
“Hey, friend, say ‘I’m a Democrat’.”
“OK, ‘I’m a Democrat’.”
“Poof! You’re a Democratic Senator! Feel like being a Democrat anymore?”
“Nah. I think I’ll go back to being a Republican again.”
cthulhu on February 19, 2010 at 1:36 PM
Just to spite the dems, Christie should appoint the most conservative guy he can find, right after he registers as a democrat.
PatMac on February 19, 2010 at 1:36 PM
Maybe Brent Schundler could announce that he’s becoming a Democrat and receive the “appointment” from Governor Christie. There’s more than one way to skin that rabbit and two can play the game.
Old Fritz on February 19, 2010 at 1:37 PM
The dems had to get the state supreme court to change the law so he could get on the ballot, because “the people” needed to have a choice at election time.
I wish him well, but I hope he never steps on the senate floor again.
belad on February 19, 2010 at 1:37 PM
Not likely. The mortality rate among elderly with stomach cancer is very low.
Depending on the stage in which the cancer is caught, and depending on the overall health of the patient, the likelihood of surviving 5 years is about 1 in 5 to 1 in 9.
_________
RJGatorEsq. on February 19, 2010 at 1:38 PM
How hard is it to switch your party registration? And then once in office, switch back. Or even just be part of the other party’s caucus.
Get well soon, Sen. Lautenberg. and consider not running in 2014.
rbj on February 19, 2010 at 1:38 PM
Whats the problem. Pick the guy personwant and have them change parties!
Specter, Liebermann, Jeffords. Its all the rage in the Senate.
Then, once they are in, they just change back.
OBQuiet on February 19, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Best wishes SEN L.
So if he resigns, and a DEM has to be appointed according to the corrupt law trying to be passed, who gets in; Snookie, The Situation, or Jwoww?
alohapundit on February 19, 2010 at 1:39 PM
I lost a kitty to stomach cancer and it was just awful. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. I hope he is comfortable and can be treated successfully. Good luck to him.
Monica on February 19, 2010 at 1:39 PM
I feel sorry for his family, I can’t imagine working into my late 80′s. Grandchildren rarely seeing their grandfather, and on and on. Whatever happened to enjoying the golden years?
rightside on February 19, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Did something revolutionary happen recently in the treatment for stomach cancer, or is this a relatively milder form? Or did they catch it very, very early?
My brother-in-law (RIP) was diagnosed with stomach cancer when he was 37. He lasted 15 months, God rest his soul. Absolutely horrific illness, and he was told that it was basically not survivable (he was stage IV by then). He went thru 4 lines of chemo (the last being experimental) before he succumbed. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.
Purple Fury on February 19, 2010 at 1:41 PM
I’m pretty sure there’s something in the U.S. Senate rules that wouldn’t allow it. Plus it’d be political suicide for Christie.
lowandslow on February 19, 2010 at 1:41 PM
Heh, though you have to be 30 to be a senator. Otherwise a good suggestion to bring some classiness to the Senate.
rbj on February 19, 2010 at 1:41 PM
Does John McKeon come from the same school of reality as Robert Gibbs?
Rovin on February 19, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Progressive political ideology trumps all!
belad on February 19, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Please. He’s a Senator whose staff does all the work. It’s not like he’s a dock worker or something.
SouthernGent on February 19, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Wow, stomach cancer is pretty brutal (and pretty rare in the US as I understand). Anyone who has ever been touched by cancer (and that’s probably all of us) knows what an ugly disease it is. Prayers for the senator and his family that he responds well to the chemo and recovers completely.
NoLeftTurn on February 19, 2010 at 1:45 PM
This would not be political suicide for Christie. If his spending cuts and freezes don’t kill him, he will survive going against the dems in the legislature.
The folks here in NJ are beginning to get fed up with the corrupt dems that have been running the show for decades.
belad on February 19, 2010 at 1:47 PM
I don’t care if he never lifts a finger, I am sure he is in Washington much of the year, and doesn’t get to spend time with his children/grandchildren/great grandchildren. What kind of a man is that selfish?
rightside on February 19, 2010 at 1:48 PM
Well, see?
Better already. If that doesn’t do it, name more overpriced, overblown and under-utilized public edifices after him.
wildweasel on February 19, 2010 at 1:50 PM
Will Obama give Lautenbergs family the same advice he gave the lady with the 99 year old mother in that ABC Town Hall last year?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-dQfb8WQvo
Oh, probably not he’s part of the ruling class, Ms. Sturm is part of the serf class.
PappyD61 on February 19, 2010 at 1:51 PM
A senator? I mean think about the massive ego one must have, or learn to have, when being a SENATOR.
SouthernGent on February 19, 2010 at 1:52 PM
It’s about power. People who do that just can’t give up the power.
Johnnyreb on February 19, 2010 at 1:53 PM
4% rating from the ACU.
daesleeper on February 19, 2010 at 1:53 PM
I asked that same question to my co-workers. We proles would be given the pain pill option.
Obamacare, so good, even senators won’t adopt it!
rightside on February 19, 2010 at 1:59 PM
Finally you guys are thinking outside the box. Excellent.
This is the old let’s play nice and give up mentality that Tea Partiers are trying to do away with there. Sorry you’re slow to catch on to the new wave. Besides, this happens all the time. It’s just that Republicans are usually the ones on the short end of the stick.
Sultry Beauty on February 19, 2010 at 2:00 PM
If so, it is a dozen too many.
We all have to die at some time. Personally, I don’t want it to be cancer, but then I am not going to have a choice.
SC.Charlie on February 19, 2010 at 2:02 PM
My best wishes for Sen. Lautenberg and his family, lest the same fault fall upon me…
Maybe he should think about spending more time with his family while he has the time.
… The corruption and graft in the Senate will still be there long after he is gone.
Seven Percent Solution on February 19, 2010 at 2:07 PM
Please. He’s a Senator whose staff does all the work. It’s not like he’s a dock worker or something.
SouthernGent on February 19, 2010 at 1:42 PM
PROOF….I got an e-mail from him in response to my fax warning him about using reconciliation. He was in the hospital at the time.
NJ Red on February 19, 2010 at 2:09 PM
My prayers are with the Senator for a full recovery, and with his family for strength.
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on February 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Gastrointestinal cancer is not a very forgiving disease and chemo can suck the life out of a person before it has any positive effect.
I wish the Senator all the best.
The Situation, for sure.
racecar05 on February 19, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Cancer is a horrible thing. My father died from it last year.
I know I will get slamed for this but…
Whatever happened to just taking the pain pill.
Lead by example.
mechkiller_k on February 19, 2010 at 2:12 PM
It has to be a Democrat ………….. hmmmmm? Republican switches to be a Democrat, then changes back to a Republican again when he gets in office.
SC.Charlie on February 19, 2010 at 2:14 PM
That assumes that Byrd remains healthy enough to be rolled out for the important votes.
MarkTheGreat on February 19, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Former Deputy Mayor of Newark was indicted for bribery and extortion. Gotta love this State. Thank God for Christie. NJ people are very happy with Christie’s “taking the axe” to the budget. He couldn’t commit political suicide if he tried right now. I say he should leave the seat empty…one less vote for Obama HealthScare! YAY.
NJ Red on February 19, 2010 at 2:14 PM
What are the odds that Christy can find a conservative Democrat who is willing to change parties after being appointed and seated?
MarkTheGreat on February 19, 2010 at 2:15 PM
yes, by all means, let us treat with respect the legislator who made it possible to strip a man of his firearm rights with nothing but an unsupported hearsay allegation.
/’96 Lautenberg Amendment to the 1968 GCA
rayra on February 19, 2010 at 2:17 PM
I really have no problem with this as a general principle. Just because a seat becomes vacant, it shouldn’t be cause to dabble in political manipulation. That being said, special elections seem to me to be more fair than an appointment even if done less corruptly than the events surrounding Burris’ appointment from Illinois.
I would also add that there should be a mandatory age limit. 90 years old and still a Senator? Give me a break!!!
highhopes on February 19, 2010 at 2:18 PM
What the heck is the point of that? Why do our Congressmen seem to think that they need to server until they’re too old to speak coherently? Do they really believe that they’re isn’t anyone else in their state capable of doing their job? And why do the people keep electing them? I don’t get it.
29Victor on February 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM
G’luck Mr. L.
May you win your fight against cancer. Personally, I’d prefer to see you do it as a private citizen rather than a Senator I disagree with on most everything, but I pray you get better, nonetheless.
Midas on February 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM
I think they should make fun of him on Family Guy.
echosyst on February 19, 2010 at 2:33 PM
I hope he has many long years discussing Tiger Woods, for both their sakes. But the 50% survival rate surely doesn’t include 86-yo men. That’s got to be an uphill fight. Best wishes, Senator.
Urquhart on February 19, 2010 at 2:36 PM
Not to mention preventing individuals from holding certain jobs. I’m not wishing that Senator Lautenberg suffers but I can’t muster a whole lot of concern either.
highhopes on February 19, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Do they really believe that they’re isn’t anyone else in their state capable of doing their job? And why do the people keep electing them? I don’t get it.
29Victor on February 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM
Good God, I hope there aren’t any capable of doing this liberal’s job. He’s a liberals’ liberal.
NJ Red on February 19, 2010 at 2:43 PM
Reasonable thought there. Odd how many old Demo’s are leaving office one way or the other…as long as they leave.
royzer on February 19, 2010 at 3:20 PM
Too late, brother, he’s already added his support of ObamaCare thru Reconciliation.
bloviator on February 19, 2010 at 3:21 PM
Why in the world would Christie sign that bill?
KeepOhioRed on February 19, 2010 at 3:38 PM
Too late, brother, he’s already added his support of ObamaCare thru Reconciliation.
bloviator on February 19, 2010 at 3:21 PM
I’m a sister!!! And…he my support it already but he won’t be in Washington to actually vote on the bill.
NJ Red on February 19, 2010 at 3:46 PM
Chemo isn’t the nightmare it used to be years ago. I underwent several treatments in the 2000′s with a lot less discomfort than I had dreaded. A rarely mentioned compensating factor is that the nurses in the chemo infusion rooms are the gentlest, kindest medical professionals any patient is ever likely to meet.
I wish the Senator a similar positive experience and outcome…even if I disagree with almost all his political positions.
marybel on February 19, 2010 at 4:04 PM
So where’s Rosie O’Donnell to make her expert medical diagnosis that he got cancer because he was a liar and a bad person? I guess that’s only true when its pertaining to Conservatives and Republicans like Tony Snow.
Hey, let’s see if the Daily Kos or Olbermann are echoing my question.
Virus-X on February 19, 2010 at 4:29 PM
When higher forces take down liberty’s enemies, don’t cry and offer sympathies. How sincere would your condolences be if it came down to his vote-loss shuttering Obamacare? Color me heartbroken.
leftnomore on February 19, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Obama: “Maybe you just have tell grandad to forego that operation and just take a pill.”
(I’m sure Lautenberg is glad that Congress doesn’t have the public option they’ve tried to foist off on the rest of us.
Christian Conservative on February 19, 2010 at 5:12 PM
Thank God he was diagnosed sooner than later probably because of the location.
My 2 tumors were in my abdomen as opposed to my stomach so they were harder to recognize and my diagnosis came later than sooner.
All my best to him – it can be beaten, I am living proof and I am adding him to my prayer chain.
AprilOrit on February 19, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Nobody should be seeking office at 90. Especially one with a 6 year term.
clement on February 19, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Yes, that’s how the Rs held the Wyoming seat when Sen. Thomas passed away in 2007, even though Wyoming had a D governor.
acasilaco on February 19, 2010 at 7:02 PM
I rather win a seat than gain one this way. I kept quiet when Kennedy died, I had nothing nice to say so said nothing at all but that is a rare case, I wish Lautenberg well.
Daemonocracy on February 19, 2010 at 8:06 PM
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