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Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http://ww

danarhea

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Tuesday for a special election later this year to decide who will fill the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, though he did not say whom he might appoint in the interim.

Some are speculating that Christie may appoint Democrat Corey Booker as the interim replacement until the special election. There is good logic to this choice. Any Republican Christie appoints will be defeated in the special election. New Jersey has not voted a Republican to the Senate since 1972. By appointing Booker, Christie will win more black votes in the next gubernatorial election, thus ensuring that the governorship stays in Republican hands.

But, to be honest, Christie is in a bit of a bind. If he does pick Booker, some Republicans have said that he will be dead to the Republican party. On the other hand, if he picks a Republican, the voters, most of whom are Democratic, may declare war on him, thus threatening his next run for office.

All in all, and interim appointment non-withstanding, kudos to Christie for letting the will of the voters determine Lautenberg's replacement by holding a special election as soon as possible.

Article is here
.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

This is one of the more curious political moves as of late. Let's start with the silliness of holding a special state-wide election (at considerable expense) just 20 days before the general election. At first blush, this is as stupid as stupid gets. The political view, however, suggests he intends to use it as a smoke screen to get the Dems to the polls in Oct, with the idea of keeping them home in Nov, with the hopeful result that he gets a few more Reps in the NJ legislature based on low Dem turn-out in Nov.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs...tie-sets-the-date-keeps-to-his-2016-strategy/

When asked about the cost of the special election, Christie commented that the '...cost doesn't matter...'

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45755883/ns/msnbc-the_last_word/vp/52102204#52102204
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/guybenson/2013/06/04/christie-decision-n1612866


Talk about a statement that will come back to haunt him in a future election..... unless, which seems more likely to me than ever, that there will be no future election than Governor of New Jersey.
 
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Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Is such a short-term appointment so damning to him? Would the voters really hold it against their republican governor to appoint a republican to this temporary post?

Could he not appoint an independent if he's so concerned about partisanship? I don't know if this election would be necessary.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Is such a short-term appointment so damning to him? Would the voters really hold it against their republican governor to appoint a republican to this temporary post?

Could he not appoint an independent if he's so concerned about partisanship? I don't know if this election would be necessary.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an independent. Senators pretty much need to pick a party with which to caucus; which will lead to the definition of the Senate appointee as either Republican or Democrat.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an independent. Senators pretty much need to pick a party with which to caucus; which will lead to the definition of the Senate appointee as either Republican or Democrat.

You mean for committee assignments?
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Anyone dumb enough to be upset by a republican appointing a republican wasn't ever going to vote for christie, as governor or as president.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Is such a short-term appointment so damning to him? Would the voters really hold it against their republican governor to appoint a republican to this temporary post?

Could he not appoint an independent if he's so concerned about partisanship? I don't know if this election would be necessary.

That. Find someone who will agree to hold the office for the remaining time, which isn't very long and who is not a member of either the Republican or Democratic party. There are plenty of qualified people who are not members of either, and then have the election during its normal time which will give both the Republicans and Democrats a chance to present a candidate, and not cost the state the additional money of holding a special election, and will preserve his stance of letting the people decide.

Anyone dumb enough to be upset by a republican appointing a republican wasn't ever going to vote for christie, as governor or as president.

People should be able to agree or disagree with their governor's actions without taking his party into account. In fact it would be a lot better for this country if people started expecting their elected officals to act less as members of their party's and more like servents of the people. Saying you can't or shouldn't be upset at someone for taking a stance or action you don't like because that's just what their party does is what's really dumb.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Interesting move on Christie's part. I wonder how this will turn out.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Some are speculating that Christie may appoint Democrat Corey Booker as the interim replacement until the special election. There is good logic to this choice. Any Republican Christie appoints will be defeated in the special election. New Jersey has not voted a Republican to the Senate since 1972. By appointing Booker, Christie will win more black votes in the next gubernatorial election, thus ensuring that the governorship stays in Republican hands.

But, to be honest, Christie is in a bit of a bind. If he does pick Booker, some Republicans have said that he will be dead to the Republican party. On the other hand, if he picks a Republican, the voters, most of whom are Democratic, may declare war on him, thus threatening his next run for office.

All in all, and interim appointment non-withstanding, kudos to Christie for letting the will of the voters determine Lautenberg's replacement by holding a special election as soon as possible.

Article is here
.

Actually,he did the most gutless and political thing possible. He should have had the special election(if he was going to have one)when his own took place. Only dunces though would be mad about a Republican governor appointing another Republican. That's politics. When Sen.Paul Coverdell of Georgia died,the Democratic governor appointed a Democrat. It's happened in numerous circumstances. ALso,this special election will cost 24 million taxpayer dollars.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Take note of the date of the special election. Its prior to the general election. He didnt have to set the special election to be different from the general. One thought line is that by having the special election on a different date it will lower voter turnout in the general election.

Christie is doing whats best for Christie, not neccessarily whats best for New Jersey.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

He should appoint Cory Booker.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Some are speculating that Christie may appoint Democrat Corey Booker as the interim replacement until the special election. There is good logic to this choice. Any Republican Christie appoints will be defeated in the special election. New Jersey has not voted a Republican to the Senate since 1972. By appointing Booker, Christie will win more black votes in the next gubernatorial election, thus ensuring that the governorship stays in Republican hands.

But, to be honest, Christie is in a bit of a bind. If he does pick Booker, some Republicans have said that he will be dead to the Republican party. On the other hand, if he picks a Republican, the voters, most of whom are Democratic, may declare war on him, thus threatening his next run for office.

All in all, and interim appointment non-withstanding, kudos to Christie for letting the will of the voters determine Lautenberg's replacement by holding a special election as soon as possible.

Article is here
.

I agree with your take with the exception of appointing Booker as an interim, unless Booker categorically swears he will not seek the nomination for the seat in the special election.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Ok. Does anyone think that a Democratic governor in Christie's case would even think of doing the same thing? In a scenario where you are in a really red state that has a Democrat governor(like Kentucky or Arkansas).
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Some are speculating that Christie may appoint Democrat Corey Booker as the interim replacement until the special election. There is good logic to this choice. Any Republican Christie appoints will be defeated in the special election. New Jersey has not voted a Republican to the Senate since 1972. By appointing Booker, Christie will win more black votes in the next gubernatorial election, thus ensuring that the governorship stays in Republican hands.

But, to be honest, Christie is in a bit of a bind. If he does pick Booker, some Republicans have said that he will be dead to the Republican party. On the other hand, if he picks a Republican, the voters, most of whom are Democratic, may declare war on him, thus threatening his next run for office.

All in all, and interim appointment non-withstanding, kudos to Christie for letting the will of the voters determine Lautenberg's replacement by holding a special election as soon as possible.

Article is here
.

I like the idea of a quick special election, as such an election serves the interests of NJ's residents. As far as interim appointments go, perhaps Governor Christie will appoint a person who won't seek election e.g., former Governor Kean.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

I like the idea of a quick special election, as such an election serves the interests of NJ's residents. As far as interim appointments go, perhaps Governor Christie will appoint a person who won't seek election e.g., former Governor Kean.

Surprised that a liberal would support this(sarc).
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Surprised that a liberal would support this(sarc).

Actually, a number of conservatives support this too. By having the special election BEFORE the general election, voter turnout will be down for the general election, which helps Republicans.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

I heard today that Christie's high approval ratings were just as high amongst democrats as it is amongst republicans.

Here is the GOP's golden boy and they aren't smart enough to realize it. Par for the course, I suppose. Oh well, let them put up Rand Paul or Bauchmann or some other rightwing kook. My stocks are doing just fine under the democrats. I suppose if it ain't broke we don't have to fix it.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Surprised that a liberal would support this(sarc).

Several things:

1. I'm merely introducing the possibility that Governor Christie could appoint someone to hold the seat for a few months who might not seek election. Governor Kean, who is a Republican (not a liberal) and who had a distinguished record during his tenure, is an example of such a choice.

2. New Jersey's voters will determine who takes office for the remainder of Senator Lautenberg's term in the special election.

3. The special election will give the winner the kind of "legitimacy" that might otherwise be lost in a partisan appointment.

Competition is a good thing. Both parties have the same opportunity to choose strong candidates and to make their case. New Jersey's residents will then make their choice.

What the Governor's critics are really getting at is that they wanted him to thwart what appeared to be the will of New Jersey's voters (at least as reflected in the early polling data). Very early polling showed Mayor Booker as the favorite for the seat, even if Senator Lautenberg had not passed away. Barring an unforeseen stumble, he likely will win. The only difference is that he would gain the seat earlier than would otherwise have been the case had Senator Lautenberg not passed away. In short, the Governor chose not to intervene to impose an outcome that would likely not be attainable at the ballot box. He left the choice of representation to New Jersey's voters. In today's hyperpartisan era, that might be unpopular, but is the choice closest to the ideals of representative government and faith in the electoral process.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Actually, a number of conservatives support this too. By having the special election BEFORE the general election, voter turnout will be down for the general election, which helps Republicans.

I don't think it will help Republicans. At all. What would "help"Republicans is giving them a senate seat for a year and a half,building incumbency. No other governor probably in the US would have done what Christie did.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

I don't like it. ***** move by Christie. Hold a special election asap, get it out of the way. Move on and dominate the governor's race as a prelude to a successful presidential run.

He's a straight-talkin, no nonsense guy. This reeks of transparent political maneuvering.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Some are speculating that Christie may appoint Democrat Corey Booker as the interim replacement until the special election. There is good logic to this choice. Any Republican Christie appoints will be defeated in the special election. New Jersey has not voted a Republican to the Senate since 1972. By appointing Booker, Christie will win more black votes in the next gubernatorial election, thus ensuring that the governorship stays in Republican hands.

But, to be honest, Christie is in a bit of a bind. If he does pick Booker, some Republicans have said that he will be dead to the Republican party. On the other hand, if he picks a Republican, the voters, most of whom are Democratic, may declare war on him, thus threatening his next run for office.

All in all, and interim appointment non-withstanding, kudos to Christie for letting the will of the voters determine Lautenberg's replacement by holding a special election as soon as possible.

Article is here
.

And this is what infuriates me about our politicians. They do not serve the people they only serve themselves and their parties. I wish the american voter would wise up and vote out the lot of them.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

I wouldn't be happy if I lived in NJ.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

I heard today that Christie's high approval ratings were just as high amongst democrats as it is amongst republicans.

Here is the GOP's golden boy and they aren't smart enough to realize it. Par for the course, I suppose. Oh well, let them put up Rand Paul or Bauchmann or some other rightwing kook. My stocks are doing just fine under the democrats. I suppose if it ain't broke we don't have to fix it.

Yep... a party that chose not to have a majority in the Senate because they would rather run Engel, O'Donnell, Buck, Akin, Mourdack and McMahon rather than candidates that could actually win. This is the party that believes in absolute 2nd amendment rights, most likely to preserve their right to own a bazooka so they can use it on their political foot.

Christie is the Republicons best chance to win in 2016, but they will not recognize it. He has been moved to the sidelines, as will the Cons chances in 2016.
 
Re: Christie sets special election to decide Lautenberg replacement Read more: http:

Is such a short-term appointment so damning to him? Would the voters really hold it against their republican governor to appoint a republican to this temporary post?

Could he not appoint an independent if he's so concerned about partisanship? I don't know if this election would be necessary.

He has refused special elections on cost concerns so why can't he be on the ballot with Booker again? The Senate only vote will cost $12 million and force people to go back to the polls in 20 days.
 
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