N.J. Dems move to prevent a Christie GOP appointment

Get ready for more appointment drama, because Democrats in New Jersey want to strip Gov.-elect Chris Christie (R) of the right to appoint a Republican to a Senate vacancy.

The proposal is significant because 85-year-old Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) has five years left in his term (not to mention the fact that he has already retired once). Those close to Lautenberg insist he's as driven and vibrant as ever, but Democrats are privately worried it could put them in a situation where Christie would fill a vacancy with a member of the GOP.

State assembly Majority Whip John McKeon (D) cited the recent death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) in introducing the bill. Readers will recall the fiasco that ensued when that state's lawmakers changed their governor's appointment powers after Kennedy's death.

The battle in New Jersey could be even more pitched, since a Senate race there seems likely to be competitive. In Massachusetts, Republicans were simply trying to prevent a temporary appointee.

The bill being proposed in the Garden State would force Christie to appoint a member of the same party as the departing officeholder.