June 4th, 2013
01:50 PM ET
10 years ago
Christie opts for special election, says voters should decide
(CNN) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie opted for a special election to fill a newly vacant Senate seat through 2014 instead of appointing a replacement through that time, saying the decision was about giving voters "a choice and a voice in the process" and was not driven by political self-interest.
While the Republican's decision for a special October ballot could help him avoid stronger Democratic turnout in his re-election bid a month later, it also opens him up to criticism from his own party that is on the short end of the balance of power in the Senate.
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John Andrews: He let the people decide who should represent them, that is the right thing to do. Sorry he doesn't tote the conservative political line like the Governor of SC did
Doing the right thing, letting the people decide, man this has got to have the gop in an uproar, this is why we like him, and they hate him. their only popular guy, and he does not tow their line, why? because unlike rick snyder, he needs no superpac campaign money to get reelected.when superpacs say were going to primarie you, it a threat to take your job for the gop, i thought we elected them, the fact that they fall inline,tells you all you need to know
Christie is the best conservative in current pool of conservatives..
He's using almost Mr. Spock logic. Appoint someone that will make him look good, then let the people decide who they want. Either way, he wins. Well played, Gov. Christie, well played.
Christie is the best conservative in current pool of conservatives.. Go for Christie in 2016!!!!
Good Show
Really Gov? Being from NJ the cost is estimated at $24M for the Oct election. Sorry but I can wait the 3 weeks from 10/16 to the 11/5 election and save the money.
Sorry Mr Christie, I am a supporter but this reeks of politics to move out of your re-election voting so as to lessen the amount of Democrats that would go to the polls in Nov
dr tom – according to the most recent statute Christie couldn't use the Nov 2013 election cycle. the seat vacancy didn't meet the requirements by the number of days.
you should save your partisan rantings for something you understand.
Does anyone really think Christie any others did not see this coming? Lautenburg has been sick for a while. Christie had plenty of time to contemplate his political move.
example of a good Gov.! a dem would have inserted a friend for the duration
Perhaps the only, or at least one of the few, Republicans with any sense at all.
"Has a chance to install a political cronie in the Senate for 18 months"
Really ..........I guess some people can not count and/or just want to make a policial statement
And THIS is why I like Christie. He cares more about his citizens and his state then he does about his party. Which is what a politician should be like. It's sad though that he probably won't be able to get past the Repub primaries in 2016 though. They like to be catered to and he certainly doesn't do that.
Sounds like the right call to me.
Not really the best decision. Simply doing it for his benefit. He doesn't want to be on the same ballot as Corey Booker. He could have held the special election in November of this year and saved some money that way.
What annoys me is that people ascribe sainthood on to politicians for whatever reason. Christie, like Obama, like virtually every Dem or Repub will act first in a manner that preserves their position and second according to what they believe is best for the people. Dems are finding this out about Obama (remember, the most transparent admin in history), found it out about Weiner and Repubs found it out about people like McCain and Sanford.
Of course, progressives will insult me for not pouring love on Obama. I am simply pointing out that he is a politician first. Like most Dems and most Repubs.
Start holding these people to account even though they have a D or an R next to their names. Why do politicians cheat, lie, steal? Because we refuse to vote for the other person in a gen election or primary. Can't vote for a Dem or Repub? Get rid of your bums in the primary. Tell them you won't vote for them again. Enough people do it and maybe we'll see some change.
John Andrews,
Aren't you republicans all about letting the people elect politicians? I'm really starting to wonder about people like yourself. Do you want someone for the people or a dictator?
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Christie made the best choice.
Hat off to Governor Christie. He is doing the right thing for the people of New Jersey and the Country
To: John Andrews – and Dr. Tom go away!!!. It is in everyones best interest to hold a special election. I am not a fan of republicans, but this Governor has won my respect.
I wish Christie would appoint Corey Booker. Keep an eye on Corey. I think he will be the next Gov of New Jersey.
After Christie's next term
This guy impresses me more and more every day. I think he may end up proving that he's an anomaly -an honest and moral politician.
Hats off to Chris Christie for doing the only thing he could to still be re-elected. Lets chose to have a special election (Please the democrats), but lets not have it when im on the ballot (hope turn out stays down so i can win) . Like every other politician this guy has knack for looking out for numero uno himself. I'm sorry but if youre a democrat and dislike this guy you make no sense to me because he is the farthest thing from republican!
Yea but the Dems sure haven't done anything but follow party lines...how about that Obama-seat Illinois fiasco?
Liberalism is a mental disorder ...the posters here reinforce that idiom daily.
surprised they did not sneak in some tea bagger to bring us the elusive "family values"!
Christie is the best democrat in the pool of conservatives.