Christie sets date for special election

TRENTON -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie yesterday set an October special election to fill the Senate seat made vacant by Frank Lautenberg's death, a decision that gets voters the quickest possible say on who will represent them in Washington but preserves Christie as the top attraction on November's ballot.

The move means the state will have two statewide elections three weeks apart, a rare occurrence that drew immediate criticism.

At a news conference, Christie did not announce who he will appoint to fill the seat in the meantime, but said he has a list of possibilities and will announce a decision quickly.

The Republican governor said he is not obligated to nominate someone in line philosophically with the liberal Lautenberg. Christie plans to have the temporary representative in place when the Senate begins debating immigration reform next week.

Christie's move to hold a special election only weeks before the statewide November election generated criticism from Democrats, who said it was a waste of money and politically motivated.

Christie said the state will pick up the $24 million tab.

"The people need to have a voice and choice," Christie said.

The Senate primaries will be held Aug. 13 and general balloting on Oct. 16.

The winner of the special election will serve until Lautenberg's term expires in January 2015.

The statewide general election is Nov. 5.---- AP