The Lautenberg Rule is in effect till Sept. 30, at least.
However, Torricelli had been facing an ongoing probe into his activities, particularly regarding a series of campaign contributions he had been receiving. In 2002, the findings of the probe resulted in Torricelli being indicted on federal corruption charges, and turned the tide of the election against him.[10] Torricelli decided to cease his campaign for re-election, and announced his decision on September 30, 2002.[14][17][18] The New Jersey Democratic Party made overtures to the retired Senator Bradley, who declined, and to Congressmen Robert Menendez and Frank Pallone, who were both in the middle of their own campaigns for re-election, and thus were unavailable. Finally, the party reached out to Lautenberg, who accepted the offer.
