Politico: Christie's last big move could be filling Menendez's seat

[Suburbia]

Christie's appointee might even have a harder time than Guadagno - the stench of Christie is a kiss of death.

Probably, the most worrying part is possibly giving Republicans an extra Senate vote until the 2018 midterms. In this instance, I think calling a special election would be even worse for for the Republican candidate than holding on until Nov 2018.

Virginia, when the special election would be held? 2017 or 2018?

Surely some time in 2018. You need time for the primary and the GE. Or, he could just let it happen at the same time as the midterms.

The governor can't schedule a special election, an election (regular or special), would be held during the 2018 midterm. Even if Christie appoints a Republican, a Democrat will win that seat in 2018 anyway. I don't see why Christie wouldn't want to temporarily give New Jersey Republicans more time in statewide office, especially when they won't hold statewide office much longer.

A New Jersey Republican could win under the right circumstances. Yes, NJ is a blue state, but if the "Resist" movement gets nowhere, a Republican like Jeff Chiesa or Joe Kyrillos could win if they don't distance themselves from Trump too much that they lose the conservative base.

If they talk about jobs, taxes, corruption, they could win. Soon to be New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy's approval ratings may matter as well, the N.J. Democrat will use Christie/Guadagno/Trump against the Republican.

[Suburbia]

If Menendez is convicted/expelled/resigns in November-December, Christie will choose: Jon Bramnick or Joe Kyrillos.

If Menendez is convicted/expelled/resigns by January-February, Murphy will choose: Steve Fulop, Donald Norcross, or Loretta Weinberg.

I like Weinberg. She's feisty and tough. I would like State Senator Nia Gill, an African-American representing the East Orange-Montclair area.

[Suburbia]

As a New Jerseyan voter, I don't mind Torricelli coming back. Yes, he may be shady, but he is a master orator and knows how to play hardball. He is center left, he has some centrist ideals.

I'd vote for Torricelli, he does not seem as shady as Menendez or the Norcross brothers, or Rob Andrews.


Murphy could appoint a caretaker Senator, like Deval Patrick did in 2009 after Ted Kennedy died, he appointed Paul Kirk, who didn't run for the MA 2010 special election.

Would he pick Jim Florio, former governor?

[Suburbia]

Christie could pick former Rep. Michael Ferguson (R), the co-chairman of his successful 2009 gubernatorial campaign.

Ferguson represented NJ-07, now held by Rep. Leonard Lance. Like Lance, Ferguson is a mainstream conservative Republican. He'd do well in the suburbs and the Jersey shore if he is appointed in Nov-Dec, and runs in 2018, but he'd have to face Trump.

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/451070/chris-christie-new-jersey-senator-possibly

[Suburbia]

Democrats might vote to expel Menendez because they will likely hold on to this seat anyway.

The resistance to expulsion wouldn't be out of some worry of losing the seat for a whole term. It would be the fear of giving Republicans an extra Senate vote until Jan 2019. That extra vote would go quite a ways, given the current situation in the Senate. It's totally worth eating a couple months of GOP attacks to make sure Christie doesn't appoint a temporary replacement.

Senate Democrats will wait for Murphy to take office then expel Menendez.

Won't that bit Democrats because Menendez will try to run again soon like Torricelli is trying to. New Jersey politics is very interesting.