Lautenberg Rising

by: Martin

Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 07:33:53 PM EST

Sen. Lautenberg is not someone who comes immediately to mind when thinking of prominent Democratic senators in Washington, at least to me. From Kennedy's prominence in major debates to Biden's questioning of supreme court nominees -- Lautenberg is not such a posturing figure for the limelight.

But to say that Lautenberg does important work for the state and the country would be an understatement: His work on transportation funding, the environment, FISA and constitutional rights, among other measures. Lautenberg has received an "A" from the Drum Major Policy Institute for his attention to middle class legislative concerns, and he is unapologetically pro-choice. Recently, Lautenberg has been given more committee assignments, and he is ranked as the 44th most influential U.S. senator.

Martin :: Lautenberg Rising

Just recently, Lautenberg sponsored legislation
with Republican senator Dick Lugar that would have created more farm subsidies for N.J. farmers. He also secured federal funding to to preserve Gunning Island
in Monmouth County and received the highest environmental rating possible from the League of Conservation Voters. Responding to problems with oil spills in the Delaware River, Gloucester County, Lautenberg sponsored legislation to modernize ships and prevent future spills.

Lautenberg is up for re-election in November and will probably run against pro-life, anti-gay rights state senator Joe Pennacchio. While our attention needs also to be on getting Obama/Clinton and our Democratic congressional candidates elected, we also need to focus on grassroots support for Sen. Lautenberg. If you haven't done so please sign up for the campaign, give a little dough, if possible, and get ready to go door-to-door and make phone calls for this worthy, progressive senator.