Not Clear How New Jersey Will Replace Lautenberg

Here’s another reason to read the Cook Political Report: Despite early reports, Jennifer Duffy notes it’s not at all clear how and wehn New Jersey’s U.S. Senate seat will be filled now that Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has died.

“According to one provision, the law says that if a vacancy occurs more than 70 days before the next regularly scheduled statewide general election, then it will be filled during that general election… However, another provision in state law says that a special election will be held in the next regularly scheduled statewide general election (e.g., this November) only if the vacancy occurs more than 70 days before the state’s primary election. New Jersey’s primary election is tomorrow (June 4, 2013). If a vacancy occurs less than 70 days before the primary, then the vacancy would be filled at the next general election – or November 4, 2014. It should be noted that the Governor does have the discretion to call a special election anytime between now and November 4, 2014, including holding one on November 5 of this year.”

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