First a word of recognition on the passing of the State’s Senior Senator Frank Lautenberg.

Little did I know but he was the last of the World War Two vets to serve in the Senate; and for that we are eternally grateful for his service.

Much will be said about his accomplishments, as well as perhaps what he did not do for the state, but you can never say the guy wasn’t feisty.

My own observation of this was when he had partaken in an on-air debate with a Republican challenger, (it was probably Doug Forrester).

He bounded up the hill outside the radio station like a stallion. And wasn’t even winded!

Probably akin to when President Reagan visited Iceland and strolled without a jacket.

But more to the point, now that his seat is vacant, what of it. Who will the Governor appoint to fill it; and who do you feel he should appoint?

Under state law, Christie can appoint a temporary replacement to send to Washington. He can also choose to hold a special election as soon as this year to fill the seat. If Christie does not choose to hold a special election, the law contains conflicting language about whether an election would occur this November or in November 2014.

The state Office of Legislative Services said in an opinion issued today that an appointment, if made, would serve until a general election in November 2014. The winner of that election would serve the remaining two months of Lautenberg's term and begin a full term on Jan. 1, 2015.

The office said the governor also has the option to hold a special primary and special general election sooner than that date, and whoever wins would serve the remainder of Lautenberg's term until the general election in 2014.

The office said a special primary and special general election would cost about $12 million a piece. The money would go to pay poll workers and other poll costs.

An appointment sets up an interesting choice for Christie.

Political science professor Brigid Harrison speculated he might reach across party lines and choose Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

Harrison said, “Looking ahead to 2016, we have a Republican who has staked his claim as a politician who does things differently, and he could appoint a very popular well-known African American,” “His rationale is that voters put a Democrat in that seat."

The poll below is pretty much for S’s and giggles.

Actually Senate President Steve Sweeney’s out of the running, according to this.

And you know as well as I do the Governor would never put a Democrat in that seat.
This is to the best of my recollection, but I remember when then-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorsed Marion Cuomo for Governor of NY, it took Giuliani a long time to win favor with his own party.

I’m sure the Governor, being an astute politician, knows all this.

But take the poll anyway. I’d love to see some of your answers.

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