Law allows N.J. governor to temporarily fill seat held by late Sen. Frank Lautenberg . Question is timing for a special election this year or a vote in November 2014 . Christie up for re-election this year , considered possible 2016 presidential contender . `` Many conservatives have grown frustrated with Christie since last November and this provides him an opportunity to heal some of those wounds by appointing someone who has broad appeal with Republicans . TL;DR
Law allows N.J. governor to temporarily fill seat held by late Sen. Frank Lautenberg . Question is timing for a special election this year or a vote in November 2014 . Christie up for re-election this year , considered possible 2016 presidential contender . TL;DR