Judge Seeks High Court Review of Pension Dispute

The New Jersey judge who challenged Gov. Chris Christie's attempt to increase health insurance and pension contributions wants to fast-track the case to the state Supreme Court.

An attorney representing state Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale filed Thursday to have the high court review the case even though it's still pending at the appellate level.

Attorney Justin Walder says in his filing that it is a "significant issue of public concern."

DePascale sued in July over a new law that requires judges to increase their share of the cost of their pension benefit. He says that violates a state law that set judges' salaries and says they cannot be reduced.

Last week a judge in Mercer County rejected Christie's attempt to throw out the lawsuit.