[mewzilla]

Paterson HAS TO declare a Special Election.

[johniegrad]

Thanks for that clarification. How does he hope to avoid it then, just tie the decision up in a court until the election in November?

[iowamark]

You are correct. The US Constitution requires a special election:

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies.