[babble-on]

its plausible except for the two month part and the Torricelli part. But I could believe that Lautenberg steps down after 18 months with a health problem and one of the other gnomes, say Menendez or Pallone gets the job.

[secret garden]

Pallone had better check with his wife first!

[vannrox]

"...its plausible except for the two month part and the Torricelli part. But I could believe that Lautenberg steps down after 18 months with a health problem and one of the other gnomes, say Menendez or Pallone gets the job..."

The word is that Lautenberg is almost 80 years old, and he wants to be retired. The word is that he has health issues. It is understood that he is doing this as part of his political connections, and that he WILL NOT run out the term if he gets elected. Again, it is supposed to be,by people in the know, that he will only be in office for two months - no more. Further, it is already known,by those in the know, who will replace him.