Where in the world is Frank Lautenberg?

     Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has been absent in the Senate for over 2 months (as of April 7.) the 89-year-old senator has been suffering from a leg pain and has been advised by his doctor to stay home and rest. He has missed 75% of the Senate votes for the 113th congress, including Rand Paul's filibuster, and several budget votes. With a vote on a gun control bill, that is partially sponsored by Launtenberg, rapidly approaching Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is expected to begin the push for the Democrats instead of Lautenberg. Democrats in New Jersey and in D. C. are getting very concerned about when his return to the hill will be. (If there is a return)  If Lautenberg were to retire (which he has said he will at the end of his term in 2015) before 2015 New Jersey law dictates that Governor Chris Christie would appoint a new Senator. Christie would most likely pick a fellow Republican taking the Democrats' slim 55-45 lead in the Senate to 54-46. The newly appointed Senator would be up for reelection this Nov. in a special election. This is only if Lautenberg gives up his seat before late August. If it is after August the newly appointed Senator would wait until Nov. 2014 to be reelected. This would give him/her a chance to solidify themselves as an incumbent politician, and give them time to plan a strong campaign vs current Democratic front runner Newark Mayor Cory Booker.