Republicans Upset with Christie’s Decision

National Journal: “Republicans are fuming over New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to hold an early special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, with several Washington-based operatives suggesting he’s looking out for his own interests over helping the GOP regain a Senate majority. The decision to hold a separate special election in October 2013 — just two weeks before his own election — would give any interested Republican candidates little time to announce, organize a campaign, and raise the necessary money to take on a top-tier Democrat, likely Newark Mayor Cory Booker.”

“The governor’s decision, along with growing GOP expectations that his
appointee will be a placeholder, means that what could have been an
outside chance at a GOP pickup now looks like a long-shot.”

Said one senior GOP official: “I think this ends his 2016 chances. It’s year after year with this guy.”