Chris Christie’s opponent in the New Jersey governor’s race has launched an effort to drum up opposition to his plans for a special election that critics have called self-serving. Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono sent a petition to supporters Thursday asking them to “demand” Christie reverse his decision to hold a special election in October to fill New Jersey’s seat in the U.S. Senate that became empty with the death of Democrat Frank Lautenberg Monday.Following Lautenberg’s death, Christie had the option to schedule the election for a replacement on Nov. 5, on the same day of the general election that will include his re-election race and other local contests. Instead, he chose to schedule a special election one month earlier. Critics have pointed out replacing Lautenberg in a separate election will cost New Jersey more money and have suggested the move was self-serving since many insiders speculate Christie’s standing in his own race could be hurt by increased turnout generated by a Senate vote that is likely to feature high-profile Democrat Cory Booker.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://talkingpointsmemo.com/?p=88486