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After returning to the Senate in 2002, In contrast to his earlier Terms, Frank Lautenberg rushed to oppose President George W. Bush and the Republicans in a more vocal manner.
The targets of his Ire included President Bush's plan to privatize the air traffic control systems under the Federal Aviation Administration, Bush's Medicare Perscription drug bill (Supported by the Pharmaceutical Industry),
and the Fact the Bush White House awarded multiple defense Contracts to Haliburton, Vice President Dick Cheney's former employer
During Bush's reelection Lautenberg's unconstrained ire allowed him to speak out against the president in a sharp manner, saying “President Bush, time and time again, has made decisions that made New Jersey more vulnerable to terrorism. He’s here because of November 2, not 9/11.”
Lautenberg showed no desire to retire once more in 2008, Telling the Bergen Record that "There is a lot that remaisn to be done". Still, the 84 Year old Senator attracted a primary challenge from South Jersey Congressman Democrat Rob Andrews (NJ-1)
While Andrews Charged Lautenberg with his age, and residency and Lautenberg charged Andrews with supporting the Iraq war what Won Lautenberg the Primary was his support of the North Jersey lines where 3/4th of the vote were cast.
Due to the Downturn in Republican fortunes across the Country, and the Fact New Jersey was now solidly a blue state not much money was spent.
And with Former congressman & 1996 Republican Senate Nominee Dick Zimmer only spending $1.5 Million (To Lautenberg's $8.1 Million) mostly on a charge agaisnt Lautenberg utilizing Earmarks for NJ; Lautenberg's final win ended up being his largest, winning NJ by 14.1%.
In his 2008 win, Frank Lautenberg Carried 27/40 Legislative Districts to Zimmer's 13/40, 9/13 Congressional Districts to Zimmer's 4/13, and 13/21 Counties to Zimmer's 8/21 Counties.
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