Lautenberg's family endorses Pallone

TRENTON, N.J – The family of the late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg is endorsing Rep. Frank Pallone's bid for U.S. Senate.

In a statement released Monday, Lautenberg's family says Pallone stands out among the field of Democratic candidates to continue Lautenberg's progressive leadership.

The family says Pallone knows to be effective in the Senate, a candidate must put their principles and not their "own glory" first.

Fellow Democrat Cory Booker is also seeking the seat. The mayor of Newark had angered Lautenberg by taking steps in December to explore a Senate campaign.

Lautenberg announced in February that he would not seek re-election.

The nation's oldest senator died in June at age 89.