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From Geraghty at NRO

If ill health required him to step down, his replacement would be named by Republican governor Chris Christie, and the law authorizes the governor to call for a special election, in which case there is no schedule specified. Otherwise, the vacancy is filled at first or second succeeding general election, depending on when it occurs. In other words, Christie’s presumably Republican appointee would serve until November, be it this year or next. If that seat were to open up, it would probably set off a free-for-all on both sides of the aisle, with Rep. Rob Andrews, Rep. Frank Pallone, and Newark mayor Cory Booker likely to be mentioned on the Democrat side and almost any Republican in the state aiming to be Christie’s interim pick.

http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZDI5NGQ4ZDc2NzIyNzQxMjUwZjc5MDM3MDg5ZmYzOTI=

Nothing is clarified by Geraghty's explanation. Is the Governor required to name a replacement, or is he authorized to do so?

The Governor is authorized to call for a special election, but, apparently, he is not required to do so. Does this mean that if he is not required to call for a special election, his appointed Senator gets to serve out Lautenberg's term?

Otherwise, the vacancy is filled at first or second succeeding general election, depending on when it occurs.

Otherwise what?

If the Governor does not appoint a replacement?

If the Governor does not call for a special election?

Does anyone have an informed opinion about what would happen in case of a vacancy for NJ Senate?