Chris Christie Can Set Election Date, Lawyers Argue

Lawyers for Gov. Chris Christie say state laws make it clear the governor has the authority to call a special election to fill a vacancy for U.S. Senate on a different date than his own general election.

The lawyers filed a reply brief Tuesday afternoon with the state Supreme Court. Attorneys who sued to have the two elections on Nov. 5 had filed their papers Monday.

The state's highest court is reviewing a request that it accept the case as an emergency. There is no word on when the court might rule.

An appeals court ruled almost immediately that Christie had the right to set an Aug. 13 primary and Oct. 16 election for the seat held by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died June 3.

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