New Jersey Senate Election Pits Cory Booker Against Steve Lonegan

Republican Steve Lonegan and Democrat Cory Booker are facing off at the polls today in New Jersey's special election for the U.S. Senate.

Gov. Chris Christie (R) announced in June the special election for the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) would take place Oct. 16. Despite controversy, the date was approved by a state court days later.

The AP reported earlier:

Christie scheduled the election for Oct. 16. A group of Democrats sued, saying it should be held Nov. 5, the day voters are going to the polls in the general elections anyway.

Christie's critics have complained that holding the election in October will cost taxpayers unnecessarily. Officials say each election costs the state about $12 million to run.

Judge Jane Grall wrote Thursday that objections to the costs of the election are policy matters that aren't questions for the court.

"The question for us is whether the date selected is in violation of the law or Constitution, and we conclude that it is not," she wrote.

Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said the governor "followed the law as established by the legislature and ensured New Jersey voters would have a voice and a choice" in selecting the next U.S. senator.