U.S. senators weigh in on lockout

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NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey's senators are urging both sides in the NHL lockout to consider the economic impact on their state if the dispute is not resolved.

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg sent a letter Monday to the commissioner of the National Hockey League and the director of the NHL Players' Association urging them to reach a settlement.

The Democrats write that Congress has jurisdiction over interstate commerce, which includes professional sports, and will be keeping a "close eye" on negotiations.

The letter warns that the absence of New Jersey Devils' games in Newark could mean millions of dollars in lost economic activity and jobs in especially tough economic times. The Devils advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, creating a financial boost to the city just five months ago.

The lockout comes on the heels of the NBA's Nets moving from Newark to Brooklyn, N.Y.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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