Paul Begala : Frank Lautenberg , who died this week , grew up in tough town , found success . In 1982 he defeated Millicent Fenwick -- the pipe-smoking , progressive Republican who was the inspiration for the Doonesbury character Lacey Davenport -- and became a senator . He says Lautenberg 's legendary toughness helped him win competitive elections . TL;DR Begala : If you like Amtrak , no smoking on planes , higher minimum wage , thank Frank .
Paul Begala : Frank Lautenberg , who died this week , grew up in tough town , found success . He says Lautenberg 's legendary toughness helped him win competitive elections . TL;DR Begala : If you like Amtrak , no smoking on planes , higher minimum wage , thank Frank .