Well, some people think he'd be a responsible leader.
Some people question the wisdom of wasting millions of dollars for an unnecessary politically motivated special election.

quote Jon Stewart had a New Jersey Moment on The Daily Show on Wednesday night. You may not know it from his fancy suits and "bourgeois pronunciations," Stewart says, but at heart he's just a "simple Jersey boy." After waxing poetic about the Garden State, Stewart gets down to politics: Gov. Chris Christie's (R) big decision on how to handle replacing the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.). Stewart starts out by noting that Christie had three options: Name an interim senator to fill out the rest of Lautenberg's term, have voters elect a new senator in already scheduled November 2013 elections — when Christie is up for re-election — or spend millions on a special election earlier this fall. He then expresses confidence that Christie won't choose option three, because in 2009, he ruled out holding a costly special election if, hypothetically, Sen. Lautenberg died. Of course, Christie opted for the third option, scheduling a special election three weeks before his own re-election bid — a race he's expected to easily win. What's more, the conventional wisdom is that he did this so he wouldn't appear on the same ballot as presumptive Democratic Senate nominee Cory Booker. In other words, Stewart says, he's wasting at least $12 million in taxpayer dollars in a "self-serving, corrupt abuse of power." That's outrageous and irresponsible, Stewart charges — then adds: "I miss New Jersey so much!" There's also an extended pizza joke thrown in. Watch above.

Watch the video here: http://theweek.com/article/...eys-special-election

I think Christie just decided to join Newt Gingrich and Barbara Bachmann in the "I thought I was a contender" club.

Some Republicans agree: http://www.nationaljournal....te-decision-20130604

quote Christie announced at a Tuesday press conference that the election to fill [late senator] Lautenberg's seat will be held Oct. 16, just before his own gubernatorial election on Nov. 4. The primaries would be scheduled for Aug. 13. Christie acknowledged he was legally able to schedule a special election in November 2014, but he wanted New Jersey voters to elect their senator as soon as possible. Christie was less clear about whether he was legally allowed to schedule an election to coincide with his own, emphasizing that he didn't want to waste any time in seating the newly elected member. On several occasions, he repeated his decision had nothing to do with politics. "I think this ends his 2016 chances. It's year after year with this guy," complained one senior Republican official. In his press conference, Christie said the state will pick up the tab for the elections, but he doesn't know how much taxpayers will end up paying. "I don't know the price tag and quite frankly I don't care," Christie bluntly said. Despite the governor's public denials, Christie allies were concerned that if a special election coincided with the gubernatorial election, Democratic candidate Barbara Buono could benefit. With Booker as the favored Democratic Senate nominee, less-reliable Democratic voters, particularly African-Americans, would be more likely to show up at the polls. Even with a comfortable lead in the race, that's not a risk Christie welcomed.

And:
http://www.theatlantic.com/...ie-yet-again/276538/

------------------

Drive safely!

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 06-06-2013).]

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: Well, some people think he'd be a responsible leader. Some people question the wisdom of wasting millions of dollars for an unnecessary politically motivated special election.

I'm confused, are you happy, or sad about his decisions?

He's a smart guy, and while I don't put it past him to make decisions that benefit him politically, he's always been one to make decisions that are for the betterment of New Jersey.

I'm telling you right now, if I was governor of a state, and a Federal house representative from my state died, and I was asked to appoint one, I'm not so sure that I would appoint a Republican. Not because I don't think they SHOULD have a Republican, but because I truly believe that people should get what they vote for. If that seat's districts voted for a Democrat, then I think they deserve to get someone who is at least close to the ideals of the individual who they would be replacing.

Understand though, I would probably end up appointing someone who was more moderate, but I don't think it would be my right to simply change the party of that seat simply because I wanted it that way. But... maybe I'm different. I realize that the position of a politician is to be a SERVANT to the constituents, not the "ruler"...

I think he probably chose the special election simply because he didn't want to have to be responsible for making the decision. It's not entirely a cop-out more so than it's him saying that he didn't feel right making the decision.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: I'm confused, are you happy, or sad about his decisions?

Of course you are.
To answer your question, its a little of both.
Happy that he'll never have a chance at even running for president after pulling this boner.
Sad that he's wasting millions of dollars of tax money paid by taxpayers.
People who may have to scrape up pennies to pay for their next manicure.
(Sorry about the 'Jersy Shore' joke. I just couldn't help it.)

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 06-06-2013).]

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: [QUOTE]Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: I'm confused, are you happy, or sad about his decisions?

A little of both.
Happy that he'll never have a chance at even running for president after pulling this boner.
Sad that he's wasting millions of dollars of tax money paid by taxpayers.
People who may have to scrape up pennies to pay for their next manicure.[/QUOTE]


I think he'll probably be ok. It's a difficult situation for him either way, he picks a Democrat, and he pisses off Republicans. He picks a Republican, and he loses any chance of getting Democrats to vote for him. I think in hind-sight, this is probably the safest solution for him.


By the way, how's the weather? I see there's a tropical storm. I don't suppose you'd mind driving 3 hours south and put up my storm shutters? haha...

I think that Neptune's point is that he is holding the special election at, or just under, 3 weeks from the scheduled normal election instead of holding the special election at the same time and saving money.

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: Well, some people think he'd be a responsible leader.

Well, in fairness some say the same thing about Dear Leader, Comrade O.

If Christie wants an election instead of an appointment, so be it. Its a states' issue, let New Jersey deal with it.

At least in an election, the PEOPLE get to choose. I'd have thought democrats would love another election they could fix participate in.

I can agree with Christie on one choice though. Krispy Cremes... mmmm. lol

As far as ending his 2016 chances, I'd say his chances of 2016 going away because of this is the same as Hillarys' 2016 asperations going away due to Benghazi.

[This message has been edited by htexans1 (edited 06-06-2013).]

quote Originally posted by Rallaster: I think that Neptune's point is that he is holding the special election at, or just under, 3 weeks from the scheduled normal election instead of holding the special election at the same time and saving money.

Yeah, I can't figure that out either... unless he's so smart that he's brilliant?

Republicans tend to have higher turnout than Democrats do in mid-term and special elections. So maybe he's hoping / assuming that by holding a special election, they'll end up electing a Republican? Would be an interesting strategy if that's what he's thinking...

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: I think Christie just decided to join Newt Gingrich and Barbara Bachmann in the "I used to be a contender" club. Some Republicans agree:

I don't give a rat's azz what a repulsivecan or dumbocrat pundit thinks. I wouldn't have even have called Christi a contender. Interesting yes but that and a nickle would get you a cold cup of coffee.
So, you are saying that he won't win the Governorship ? Won't attract support for the Republican Presidential nomination ? You would again be wrong.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: Yeah, I can't figure that out either... unless he's so smart that he's brilliant? Republicans tend to have higher turnout than Democrats do in mid-term and special elections. So maybe he's hoping / assuming that by holding a special election, they'll end up electing a Republican? Would be an interesting strategy if that's what he's thinking...

DING! DING! DING!
I believe you are correct, sir.
Too bad this politicans stunt will cost millions of taxpayer dollars in a state that is still recovering from massive hurricane damages, and loss of tax revenue from business that closed, and homes that don't exist anymore.

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 06-07-2013).]

If this was a democrat it would be no big deal in Tune's eyes.
But Tune is so paranoid, as well as other progressives, that this guy will keep Queen Hillary from her coronation they are beginning the attacks years ahead of the election.
Let the assault begin!

[This message has been edited by partfiero (edited 06-06-2013).]

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: Too bad this politican stunt wil cost millions of taxpayer dollars in a state that is still recovering from massive hurricane damages, and loss of tax revenue from business that closed, and homes that don't exist anymore.

Too bad they elected an old coot who was bound to die sooner than later and that they voted for the laws which govern special elections, .
Too bad the dumbs are responsible for the recession and too too bad Nobama only prolonged the angst.

At least it is actually something to look at other than "he is too fat" which was all they could come up with last time. You know, the all inclusive party that rails against queers and makes fun of peoples accents. I am no longer amazed or shocked at the low levels democrats will stoop to. appalled almost daily though.

This thread must be a test bed for smear. Never too early to go on the attack.

It's Bush's fault.

Pull the Federal plug on rebuilding funds, apparently they have millions of dollars to waste. What would be the big deal to appoint a temp? Heck, they could call Kelly services and get their state represented if the election difference ends up being a few weeks. Irresponsible!

quote Originally posted by Red88FF: At least it is actually something to look at other than "he is too fat" which was all they could come up with last time. You know, the all inclusive party that rails against queers and makes fun of peoples accents. I am no longer amazed or shocked at the low levels democrats will stoop to. appalled almost daily though.

? The party supports such things....Wow


Personally I like Christie for the most part, he has shown a willingness to get things done no matter how the media and base party members hate it.

Has had few mis-steps along the way but who hasn't.

Doesn't matter what he does.... someone will be unhappy, as shown here.

I think he has a shot and is worth listening to if he decides to run. That is my plan. I am crossing my fingers that he considers his heath since being president is brutal and that he doesn't stoop to simplistic rhetoric like going back to the non-existent "better times of the past." He has to operate in the present and think of the future.

We will see, but I want to hear from him.

[This message has been edited by TK (edited 06-06-2013).]

The thing is, Gov. Christie is almost a shoe in for re election as Governor.
He's 30+ points ahead of the Democratic challenger in the polls.
So why did he decide to make a grandstand play and bill the citizens of New Jersey somewhere between 13 and 28 MILLION DOLLARS for it?The next election was already scheduled for three weeks after his special election.
I hafta wonder what the man has been smokin'.

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 06-06-2013).]

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: So why did he decide to make a grandstand play and bill the citizens of New Jersey somewhere between 13 and 28 MILLION DOLLARS for it?

Gee, the law is the law. Maybe he will win another term. That "non contender" might because he let the people decide.

If anyone has an intelligent reply, or a logical explanation for Mr. Christies behavior, I sure would like to read it.

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: If anyone has an intelligent reply, or a logical explanation for Mr. Christies behavior, I sure would like to read it.

Bush's fault.

"Fiscally Conservative"Chris Christie for president? No I don't think so for one he is a RINO from my observation of how things were handled with Sandy and he signing into law the new firearms laws. He is not conservative enough for me. I don't care what political party he belongs to but if he is going to restrict anything about the 2nd amendment he will not get my vote.

Earl

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: Well, some people think he'd be a responsible leader. Some people question the wisdom of wasting millions of dollars for an unnecessary politically motivated special election. And: http://www.theatlantic.com/...ie-yet-again/276538/

Just helping democrats spend some campaign money against another republican other than him.

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: If anyone has an intelligent reply, or a logical explanation for Mr. Christies behavior, I sure would like to read it.

I do have one. First, you will have to give an accounting for Fast and Furious, Benghazi, the IRS favoritism, The AP over reach, the not potential prosecution of Fox New's Rosen, the strong arming of funds by Sebilius for ObamaCare, the EPA secret e-mails, the lack of transperancy, etc, etc.
I didn't think so.
I will however offer you an explanation as for why you are even posting about Christi. You are scared.

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: If anyone has an intelligent reply, or a logical explanation for Mr. Christies behavior, I sure would like to read it.

Goal -
Hold State spending below FY 2008 levels

How - get
"New Jersey’s share of
federal matching funds"

$60.4 billion
in federal relief to help the regi
on rebuild after Super Storm Sandy

$1.83 billion
in first phase funding through the
federal Department of Housing and Urban Development

$40 million
contingency fund to ensure that expenses not
reimbursed by the federal government can be met
without reducing resources for other key priorities

Governor Christie protected funding at
$9.7 million in state funds along with
$2.5 million in federal funds.

preserved fiscal year 2013’s $3.5 million
funding increase for a total of
$12 million in State and federal support.

Expanding Medicaid
$2 billion in State and federal funds.
With the federal government’s commitment to fully finance
the expansion for three years,

Accepting these federal resources will
save New Jersey taxpayers approximately
$227 million in fiscal year 2014 alone

in each of the last three years, New Jersey has
received federal funding bonuses totaling more
than $40 million in recognition of the Administration’s
outreach and enrollment strategies with children.

$1 billion of State and federal resource s to provide
or subsidize health insurance .

Graduate Medical Education (GME) f
unding will increase by $10 mill
ion ($5 million in State funds) to $100 million.
To maintain eligibility for federal matching funds.

As part of the Comprehensive Waiver approval,
New Jersey was able to preserve $128.3 million of fiscal
year 2013 federal funding.

Governor Christie’s fiscal year 2014 budget proposes
to provide $41.8 million of new State and federal funding
to develop additional community placements and services,

$19.7 million new State and federal
funding will support the Division of
Developmental Disabilities

The Child Health Unit program receives
$15.8 million in State funding. The total
funding for the program is $31.5 million,
split equally between State and federal funds.

Home Visitation Program is protected at $4 million
in State funding for fiscal year 2014, in addition to
successfully securing $8.2 million in federal support

New Jersey has secured $20 million dollars in quick
release emergency funds provided by the U.S.
Department of Transportation's Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA).

(tired of tapping the next button : State of New Jersey The Governor’s FY 2014 Budget Budget Summary - using browser search "Federal funds "

He evidently thinks using federal (tax dollars) to supplement New Jersey spending is
fiscally conservative because it gives New Jersey more bang for it's buck. or atleast it allows him to tell New Jersey just how much the Federal Government He has done for them.

So nobody knows why he's wasting millions of dollars?
Other than my suspicion that its politically motivated?
And a big mistake, IMHO.
He was going to win re election anyway.
This may come back to haunt him if he has future plans in the political arena.

[This message has been edited by NEPTUNE (edited 06-07-2013).]

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: Other than my suspicion that its politically motivated?

No, that ain't it. You are trying to cast doubt.
What if it was politically motivated ? He is a politician. He is following the law.

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: So nobody knows why he's wasting millions of dollars? Other than my suspicion that its politically motivated? And a big mistake, IMHO.

What I heard was he didn't want this on the regular election ballet later on.
Has to do with making sure that dems don't benefit from what then would be a heavier turnout.
Dem turnout in mid-term elections is usually low.
He wants to keep it that way.
Now the libs are stomping their feet and crying foul.

By keeping the state out of the liberal spender's hands the state will make up that money that doing it this way costs in no time.
You can call it forward looking.

See you in the threads that pertain to the numerous scandals the present group is involved in. Sure there is more on the way.
Been fun taking a break from them, and nice to see that some of the fairy dust got knocked off of the emperor's clothes.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: No, that ain't it. You are trying to cast doubt. What if it was politically motivated ? He is a politician. He is following the law.

Politicians acting like politicians always remind me of Al Wilson and The Snake.

"You knew damn well I was a snake before you brought me in".

[This message has been edited by spark1 (edited 06-08-2013).]

quote Originally posted by NEPTUNE: If anyone has an intelligent reply, or a logical explanation for Mr. Christies behavior, I sure would like to read it.

Maybe we might take you seriously about Christies spending a few million dollars when you also complain about Obama's trillion plus deficits every year of his presidency.

Until then, you are nothing more than a partisan stooge, and your outrage at this is quite hollow.

I'm surprised that at least one of the more savvy members didn't come up with what to me, seems to be the most likely scenario:
Almost nobody believes that Gov. Christie could possibly win the Republican nomination, much less actually beat ANY Democratic candidate in the 2016 Presidential election.
He has his eyes focused on that senate seat when his next term as Governor is over.
He has appointed an old friend to the seat in the interim.

http://abcnews.go.com/Polit...9341065#.UbIL8p_D_IU
Apparently, Gov. Christie still plans to squander millions of dollars on an unnecessary special election in October.

Neptune is right about one thing though. If you espouse being a TEA party member, or a Republican, how can one support Christie, when we are supposed to be saving money, not blowing it on unnecessary elections, when a simple appointment still would do the trick

Even if such an appointment was merely to be a "placeholder" for his political aspirations to the Senate.

Just goes to show one the very definition of a "RINO" (or a hypocrite)

Of course in fairness we can find that sort of behavior on both sides of the aisle.

[This message has been edited by htexans1 (edited 06-07-2013).]

quote Originally posted by htexans1: Neptune is right about one thing though. If you espouse being a TEA party member, or a Republican, how can one support Christie, when we are supposed to be saving money, not blowing it on unnecessary elections, when a simple appointment still would do the trick Even if such an appointment was merely to be a "placeholder" for his political aspirations to the Senate. Just goes to show one the very definition of a "RINO" (or a hypocrite) Of course in fairness we can find that sort of behavior on both sides of the aisle.

Actually, I believe NJ law states that if the normal election to fill the seat vacated is more than X days/months/whatever away that a special election must be convened to elect a replacement, and the seat vacated by the deceased Senator is 2.5 years away or some such?

Edit: I've just completed about 3 hours a reading the laws and various interpretations of the law and apparently the timing of the vacancy, the timing of the proclamation of special election, the timing of the primary and general elections are all incredibly vague and conflicting. In one interpretation, because of the proximity of the vacancy, announcement and general election primaries, if he did not choose a special election date within 'x' amount of time, his appointed replacement would be in office until the 2014 NJ primary election. According to the same interpretation, the timing required for the special election proclamation puts the 2013 general election outside of the specified amount of time for the special election.

[This message has been edited by Rallaster (edited 06-07-2013).]

quote Originally posted by cliffw: I do have one. First, you will have to give an accounting for Fast and Furious, Benghazi, the IRS favoritism, The AP over reach, the not potential prosecution of Fox New's Rosen, the strong arming of funds by Sebilius for ObamaCare, the EPA secret e-mails, the lack of transperancy, etc, etc. I didn't think so. I will however offer you an explanation as for why you are even posting about Christi. You are scared.

This is repeat worthy, I do recognize that it is a bit of look over there not here BUT to continue to support Obama yet pick on Chris Christie for wasteful spending is like defending the actions of a mass murderer and wanting to crucify somebody that urinates in public.

quote Originally posted by Rallaster: Actually, I believe NJ law states that if the normal election to fill the seat vacated is more than X days/months/whatever away that a special election must be convened to elect a replacement, and the seat vacated by the deceased Senator is 2.5 years away or some such? Edit: I've just completed about 3 hours a reading the laws and various interpretations of the law and apparently the timing of the vacancy, the timing of the proclamation of special election, the timing of the primary and general elections are all incredibly vague and conflicting. In one interpretation, because of the proximity of the vacancy, announcement and general election primaries, if he did not choose a special election date within 'x' amount of time, his appointed replacement would be in office until the 2014 NJ primary election. According to the same interpretation, the timing required for the special election proclamation puts the 2013 general election outside of the specified amount of time for the special election.

Being like Socrates, and also being from Texas, I am totally unaware of New Jersey state laws. lol

quote Originally posted by htexans1: Being like Socrates, and also being from Texas, I am totally unaware of New Jersey state laws. lol

I'm from Indiana and had to look them up...

I posted part of what I found as a possible explanation as to why he proclaimed a special election when he did. There are about 3 other interpretations of the law, but my head hurts too bad right now to dig them back up.

The important thing here is that the commie dirtbag Lautenburg is no longer a threat to freedom.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: The important thing here is that the commie dirtbag Lautenburg is no longer a threat to freedom.

Whoa! Down Stan!

Oh.. Wait...

Sometimes its hard to filter.............

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: The important thing here is that the commie dirtbag Lautenburg is no longer a threat to freedom.

Ok, seriously now. why did Governor Christie do something so foolish and obviously when he didn't need to?