"Declaring a strong desire to deliver New Jersey voters an elected senator in short order, Gov. Chris Christie (R) announced Tuesday that he is setting a special election to fill the late-Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat for October, with a primary slated for August."
"'I want to have an elected senator as soon as possible,' Christie told reporters at a news conference. He announced the primary would be held on Aug. 13, while the special general election will follow on Oct. 16.
'I firmly believe that the decision that needs to be made in Washington are too great to be determined by an appointee for a period of 18 months,' the governor said.
Christie's decision spares him having to worry about a top Democratic Senate recruit appearing on the ballot on Nov. 5, something that could boost the hopes of state Sen. Barbara Buono (D), Christie's underdog opponent in the governor's race."
Sean Sullivan reports for the Washington Post June 4, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Chris Christie calls August, October special elections in New Jersey" (Politico)
