Sen. Frank Lautenberg, 89, center, the oldest member of the U.S. Senate, is surrounded by media Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in his hometown of Paterson, N.J., after announcing his plans to retire at the end of his current term. His decision eliminates a probable primary battle with Cory Booker, the charismatic mayor or Newark, and possibly others including Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone, who is also mulling a run. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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