(AP) - New Jersey lawmakers want to name Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall after a former mayor and state senator who died last month.

A bill that will soon be introduced would name Boardwalk Hall after Jim Whelan, a Democrat who died Aug. 22.

Whelan was a teacher in Atlantic City and served as the city's mayor for three terms. In 2006, he was elected to the state Assembly and became a senator two years later.

State Senate President Steve Sweeney says Whelan was Atlantic City's biggest champion and deserves to have his name associated with the iconic hall. It would be named "Sen. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall."

Performers including Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, and Bruce Springsteen have played Boardwalk Hall, which hosts the Miss America competition each September.