N.J. Sen. Lautenberg has cancer

PATERSON, N.J. - Sen. Frank Lautenberg, at 86 the nation's second oldest U.S. senator, has curable lymphoma of the stomach, his office said Friday.

Doctors for the Democrat found B-cell lymphoma that will require treatment over the next few months, spokesman Caley Gray said in a news release. He will not be resigning, Gray said.

Independent doctors agree that Lautenberg's type of lymphoma is usually treatable.

Lautenberg will undergo six to eight chemotherapy treatments and should make a "full and complete recovery," said Dr. James Holland of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan.

Lautenberg was taken to the hospital Monday after his office said he fell. The office said Tuesday he was treated for a bleeding ulcer, and Gray said Friday the lymphoma was found in the ulcer.

Lautenberg is expected to return to work at the Senate between treatments, Holland said.

A resignation could hurt the Democratic Party. Under New Jersey law, Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, would be able to appoint a replacement if a senator left office.

If there is a vacancy, the governor could name a replacement of his choice, call for a special election or leave the seat open until the next regular general election.

University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato said another Republican in the Senate would make it harder for Democrats to get the 60 votes they need to block a filibuster. There are now 59 Democrats in the Senate.

- AP