New Jersey Supreme Court OKs special Senate election

The court declined to hear a challenge to Christie's decision to hold the race in October

Published June 20, 2013 6:33PM (EDT)

The New Jersey Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to Gov. Chris Christie's decision to call a special election in October to fill the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat.

From the Star-Ledger:

In a one-page notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said Somerset Democratic Chairwoman Peg Schaffer’s request for the state’s highest court to take up her challenge is denied.

That leaves the Oct. 16 special Senate election on the calendar.

Schaffer, who has said she is not representing her county party, contended Gov. Chris Christie did not have the authority to set the date before November’s general election. She argued voters would become confused and the situation would create disenfranchisement for many residents.

Christie had reportedly called the election for October to avoid appearing on the ballot alongside the very popular Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who likely would have also caused a surge in Democratic turnout.

 


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Chris Christie Cory Booker Frank Lautenberg New Jersey Senate