[eddie willers]

Here's the AP release.

[umgud]

If Lautenberg doesn't do as well in the polls as the DNC would like.......can they replace him too before the election?

[Asclepius]

"In a substantial number of those cases, the courts have ruled on the side of being inclusive," said Richard Perr, an election law professor at Rutgers University Law School.

So why do we even have rules?

[shrinkermd]

Imagine if Toricelli was 13 points ahead rather than 13 points behind in the polls. Of course, he wouldn't be dropping out. Essentially, the Supreme Courts of NJ and US are being asked to change an election process, void a primary and an endorsement for the purposes of finding a more winnable candidate. If they agree to this, the election process is doomed.

[Ronin]

The headline is, in itself, an attempt to portray Tori's replacement as a done deal.

Ain't so, and I hope the Republicans have the fortitude to take it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.

Dashole is blowing smoke. The people of New Jersey DO have a choice. Tori is on the ballot and should not be removed. The 51 day rule was put in place just to prevent this kind of crap.

[Billthedrill]

This is a little off the midline of the topic, but it still tickles me a little - wonder how Jumpin' Jim Jeffords is feeling right about now? He sold out cheap and got paid in counterfeit coins to boot, and now he may not even have anything to sell anymore. Anyone want to bet the Dems will reward him with a run at Vermont Governor as a Dem? A run at dog catcher? An invite to the Lincoln bedroom when Hellary gets in?

[You Gotta Be Kidding Me]

The New Fonkin' Jersey Supreme Court will be as reliable a nanny to the Democrats as the Flori-DUH Supreme Court was in 2000.

Wadaya bet they not only rule that Lautenberg can run, but that he would also win and therefore there is no need for an election --- just swear him in.

[MileHi]

...and a law banning gun ownership by those convicted of domestic violence.

Poster boy for the bullet box after the ballot box has failed. I have little faith in the NJSC since two are big Torch/dem supporters.

[McGavin999]

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said that by objecting to Torricelli's request, Republicans were "denying the people of New Jersey a choice" in the election.

Yeah, but YOU are trying deny the military a vote. Ah well, what you the people of New Jersey care, they're just out in the middle of nowhere, putting their lives on the line to keep the good folks at home safe, trusting that they are fighting for democracy. What do they matter? If the people of New Jersey allow this, they are lower than pond scum.

[BizzeeMom]

Shouldn't the Dems have to replace Toricelli with whoever garnered the second-most votes in the primary??????

[lonestar]

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said that by objecting to Torricelli's request, Republicans were "denying the people of New Jersey a choice" in the election.

Forrester said in an interview yesterday that he is NOT the only candidate on the ballot; they're just not Democrats.

I think it's funny that none of the men with a future would run. They had to fall back on a "hasbeen."

[nutmeg]

Help NJ FReepers! How do you think a race between Forrester and 78-year-old (!) Lautenberg would play out in NJ? Thanks.

GO DOUG FORRESTER!

DAMN, I sure wish Bret Schundler had won that governor's race!!! :-(

[dirtboy]

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said that by objecting to Torricelli's request, Republicans were "denying the people of New Jersey a choice" in the election.

New Jersey and Floriduh. Perfect together.

[Conservative_Rob]

I'm listening to Frank Lautenberg announce his candidancy right now and he sounds like he is on drugs. What's going on?????

[Torie]

The article fails to point out that the 51 day rule would be rendered a dead letter. There would be no factual situation to which it applied. It is akin to the court taking white out and affixing it to this statute. This cannot be done under the present facts. I can't imagine it being done. It would be an embarrassment to do it. They are no legal mechanics available to do it, not even ersatz ones that would serve as a fig leaf. The NJSC knows it cannot reder the 51 day rule unconstitutional under the NJ Constitution after SCOTUS educated us all on that.

As usual, when matters get complex, the media sucks.

[AntiDemocrat]

Strange...Lautenburg said he would "work like the devil to be elected".
Isn't that a strange analogy for a Demoncrat to use?

[keithtoo]

"Laws.....we dont need no stinkin' laws!!

[formerliberal_nowconservative]

Lautenberg was just shown on FOX and he seemed confused. At 78, I think they have selected someone that appears confused.

[Jonathon Spectre]

Five months ago, Torricelli's Senate seat was considered relatively safe. But support plummeted after he was admonished by the Senate ethics committee for his relationship with a 1996 campaign supporter, and he soon became the most vulnerable incumbent in the country.

Ah, so it was just his relationship. No illegalities, no crimes, no bribes, no manipulation of the highest level governments in exchange for cash and gifts. Just a relationship.

[Musket]

This is a travesty. They can't do this. These people have to be stopped!