( CNN ) -- Frank Lautenberg grew up in Paterson , New Jersey -- a tough mill town . Served in World War II , where he scampered up improvised rickety poles to string wire to keep the lines of communication open . Went to Columbia on the GI Bill , then made a fortune as co-founder of ADP . He was among the first to see how computers could revolutionize business , and he put the new technology to work processing paychecks . He made millions in business , but never abandoned his liberal roots . His generous support for progressive causes earned him a spot on Nixon 's infamous Enemies List . 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 . In 1988 I served as Frank 's press secretary . Few bosses were tougher . He was running for re-election against golden boy Pete Dawkins -- Heisman Trophy winner at West Point , Rhodes scholar , Vietnam vet , Army general , millionaire banker -- a man so handsome , he was a model in ads for men 's shirts . Frank was not as glib as Dawkins , so I told the press , `` Frank may not be a great communicator , but he 's a great legislator . '' That did not go over well . `` I am paying you to say good things about me , '' he thundered . `` I can get people to criticize me for free ! '' Lautenberg : The last 'swamp dog ' Frank was so cantankerous , so combative , that he often called his 1988 campaign manager , the great James Carville , `` the second opponent . '' But he rose to the occasion , besting Dawkins in a debate and embracing the nickname Dawkins used to dismiss him : `` swamp dog . '' From that day to the last time I saw him , I would always ask Frank how the old swamp dog was doing . He never lost his bite . As a senator , Lautenberg leaves an impressive legacy . The Lautenberg Amendment helped free Soviet Jews and is still used by oppressed people seeking freedom in America . If you enjoy flying smoke-free , you can thank Frank . Firefighters who now have a right to know the chemicals they face in a fire can thank Frank . Millions who ride Amtrak or use mass transit can thank Frank . If you believe working people deserve a higher minimum wage , you can thank Frank . All of us who support the U.S.-Israel relationship can thank Frank . His brother and sister veterans have lost a friend , and those who support gun safety legislation have lost a powerful ally . Me ? I have lost an example of toughness and tenacity . In an age of blow-dried , prefab , Ken-doll politicians , Frank was the real deal : a hard-bitten , gut-punching , proudly liberal swamp dog . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Paul Begala .
Lautenberg : Paul Begala , who died this week , grew up in tough town , found success . He says Frank Lautenberg 's legendary toughness helped him win competitive elections . He says his Senate legacy includes amendment that helped free Republican . Begala : If you like Senate , no smoking on planes , higher minimum wage , thank Frank .