Lautenberg: 'Age is irrelevant'

CLIFFSIDE PARK -- U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park) was in a jubilant mood after voting for himself this morning – so much so that, flanked by his grandchildren, he kicked off his brief press availability with some poetry.

“The sun is shining, the spirits are bright, there’s hope for America after this night,” he said while standing just outside the elementary school that serves as his polling place.

Lautenberg, 84, started off his press availability by praising Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, calling what he expects to be his imminent election a transformational moment.

“It’s really an exciting day, an exciting moment. America is on a journey. Today I think we’ll see the transformation of our country. The substance of Barack Obama as a favorite son of all of America, transcending any concerns of color, religion, culture – that’s gone. And Barack Obama is going to deliver that freedom to the American people,” he said. “As for me, I’ve been here before. Some of you have been too.”

In the waning days of the campaign, rival Republican Dick Zimmer insinuated that Lautenberg’s true primary residence is Manhattan. When asked where he spent last night, Lautenberg responded with humor.

“If you’d like to come over and see my dirty linens, I’d be happy to show you,” he said. “I live up the street. You can’t vote in the district unless you’re an appropriate resident. It’s my home. I like it. I see New York in the distance across the river. It’s a beautiful river, and the profile of the city is nice. We love our suburbs.”

If polls are accurate, Lautenberg should handily win reelection tonight. But it could be the last time he ever votes for himself. Whether he’ll stand for reelection to another term in 2014, when he will be 90, is uncertain.

“Well I assume this school will be here. I’m not thinking about the next election – I’m thinking about the next week. I’m thinking about getting a job done,” he said.

Lautenberg went on to turn the age issue, which recently reemerged in his contest with Zimmer, on its head. The 47-year-old Obama had shown himself more likely to be effective than the 72-year-old McCain, he said.

“Age is irrelevant – it’s effectiveness. That’s why in this contest between Obama and McCain, Obama looked like he was going to be the most effective. And McCain, mature and experienced in the military, but not offering a vision for the future,” said Lautenberg.