"He will until the appropriate time, and then have some health crisis. This will result in a interim selection by the Democrat Governor, Jim McGreevey, and a special election on the nearest available date. IIRC, if Lautenberg makes it to 35 days before the next November 4, the special election will be held off until the following November, 2004. So Frank Lautenberg should be getting his bad medical news on or around October 1, 2003." Such shennanigans may not be necessary. Lautenfraud could step down ANYTIME and the person appointed Interim Senator would still be replaced by whomever was elected in the Special Election held during the next General election - November 2004. Unless NJ has General Elections in odd-numbered years...
Michael