NJ Democrat Challenges Christie Call On Special Election For Senate Seat
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Democratic party official in northern New Jersey is challenging Gov. Chris Christie's authority to call a special election in October to complete the U.S. Senate term of the late Frank Lautenberg.
The lawsuit brought by Somerset County Democratic County Chairwoman Peg Schaffer claims the election is illegal and an attempt to suppress the vote.
Schaffer said her law firm asked for and received permission from the state appellate division to file a motion for emergent relief. She says the suit wasn't filed on behalf of the county party.
NJ Democrat Challenges Christie Call On Special Election For Senate Seat
Schaffer wants the special election, scheduled for Oct. 16, to occur on the same date as the November general election in which Christie is seeking another term.
"We disagree with his interpretation of the governing statutes," Schaffer told WCBS 880 reporter Jim Smith, "There's going to be a different date for the registration cut off, a different date for the absentee ballot cut off. It's just a lot of unnecessary confusion."
Michael Drewniak, Christie's spokesman, said the governor followed the law in setting the date.
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