By James Osborne, Inquirer Staff Writer

Sen. Lautenberg
Sen. Frank Lautenberg focuses on students.

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg on Monday urged federal officials to review the proposed merger between Rutgers-Camden and Rowan Universities, questioning whether a deal had been “crafted to benefit powerful political interests without regard for the impact on students.”

In his letter to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lautenberg, a New Jersey Democrat, expressed concern about the merger’s effect on thousands of students receiving federal financial aid.

The letter did not name the “political interests” involved, beyond Republican Gov. Christie. Other prominent merger proponents include South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III; his brother, State Sen. Donald Norcross (D., Camden); and Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester).

A federal education official said the department was looking into Lautenberg’s request.

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