Is Chris Christie in a No-Win Situation Over Lautenberg’s Seat? [AUDIO]

If Gov. Chris Christie appoints a conservative to the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Frank Lautenberg, the moderates Christie needs in this year's gubernatorial election will be ticked. If he picks a moderate, the conservatives he would need if he plans a presidential run in 2016 would be furious.

Is Christie finally in a no-win situation?

"He's not in a no-win situation because he does get to pick somebody so that person is going to be at least the one person who is very happy.  In reality, he has three choices." said Peter Woolley, a political science professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Woolley said the first choice for Christie is for him to pick a friend to reward loyalty.

"Two, he could try to pick somebody who he thinks could actually defend the seat," explained Woolley. "The Republicans don't have a strong bench though so it's hard to imagine who could actually defend the seat against a big name Democrat like (Rush) Holt, (Frank) Pallone or (Cory) Booker."

The third choice for Christie could be one that would reflect well on the Governor's legacy.

"He could appoint New Jersey's first female federal senator," said Woolley. "He has to be careful. There are always going to be people who don't like his decision and are going to take it personally. It is a decision that is going to become part of the historical record and part of any future campaign."

The appointment announcement could come as early as today.