Booker Praises Lautenberg, Mum on Own Campaign

Newark Mayor Cory Booker is praising U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg for his service to the city and state following Lautenberg's announcement he won't seek re-election next year.

But Booker is not commenting on how the decision by his fellow Democrat will affect his own plans to seek the U.S. Senate seat.

Booker said Thursday that Lautenberg has been a "strong model of leadership" for him since entering office.

More recently the mayor angered the 89-year-old senator by declaring in December his intention to seek the seat in 2014 -- even before Lautenberg had announced his own plans.

In his statement, Booker said Lautenberg has championed New Jersey for decades and helped Newark "endure difficult days."

Booker is seen as a strong favorite to keep the seat in Democratic hands, though Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone may also be mulling a run.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)