Political colleagues and foes describe Frank Lautenberg as a fighter . Lautenberg was a strong advocate for tougher gun laws . The New Jersey Democrat was the last World War II veteran in the Senate . Lautenberg , 89 , missed key Senate votes late last year during a weeks-long absence because of a cold that turned into what he called a `` severe case of bronchitis with fluid in the chest . '' He died on June 1 at age 90 after battling brain cancer since 2009, according to his office. Chris Christie permitted under law to appoint temporary replacement .
Political colleagues and foes describe Frank Lautenberg as a fighter . Lautenberg was a strong advocate for tougher gun laws . The New Jersey Democrat was the last World War II veteran in the Senate . He died on June 1 at age 90 after battling brain cancer since 2009, according to his office. Chris Christie permitted under law to appoint temporary replacement .