Thanks, Professor McDonald, for answering my question.  Now I have a new one for
all of you.  I'm a political scientist, not a lawyer, so forgive me if this is
basic.  Isn't there a federal statute that says all congressional elections
shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November?  How does
that square with a single state canceling a Senate election?  Of course, in this
case it looks like McGreevey would select the nominee if the Torch steps aside
since there are more than 30 days to go, but I'm still curious.

Thanks,
Jennifer Steen

Michael McDonald wrote:

The networks are reporting Senator Torrecelli will hold a 4pm press
conference to announce something, perhaps his resignation in light of his
on-going ethics problems and the close partisan balance in the Senate.
(see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22574-2002Sep30.html).

Here's an excerpt that readers of this list will find interesting:
Under New Jersey law, a political party can replace a statewide nominee on
the ballot if the person drops out at least 48 days before the election. But
only 36 days remain until the Nov. 5 election, meaning Democrats would have
to seek approval from the state attorney general. That would likely result
in a court challenge from Republicans.
Under state law, if a candidate resigns his office or dies with more than 30
days to the election, the governor can appoint a new candidate. If it
happens with less than 30 days before the election, the race can be canceled
and the governor can set a new date for a special election.
==================================
Dr. Michael P. McDonald
Assistant Professor
Dept of Public and International Affairs
George Mason University
4400 University Drive - 3F4
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

Office: 703-993-4191
Fax: 703-993-1399
Efax: 561-431-3190

mmcdon@gmu.edu
http://elections.gmu.edu/

--

Jennifer A. Steen
Assistant Professor
Political Science Department
Boston College

e-mail: jennifer.steen@bc.edu
web: www2.bc.edu/~steenje