[Impy]

But Democrats and some legal experts said Christie was infringing upon the New Jersey court system’s independence by not renominating a sitting justice, imposing his political will and breaking more than six decades of tradition in state government.

Obviously the state constitution gives him to power to appoint whom he likes. "Traditions" aka constitutional conventions ("convention" in the sense of "custom") have no force of law.

The obstinate State Senate needs a GOP majority so Senate President Stephen Swine-ney (D-Hog Farm) doesn't get to decide who gets a nomination hearing. Christie should leave the seat vacant if Swine-ney and Judiciary Chairman Nicholas Scuzzbucket (D-Sinkhole) refuse to allow a vote to fill it.

[Impy]

Another big fat good move from Christie.

My mom’s liberal cousin is a prep school teacher in NJ. I bet she hate his guts. :D