New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced on Thursday that he appointed State Attorney General Jeff Chiesa to replace Frank Lautenberg in the senate.
Chiesa, a veteran Republican, is a former chief counsel to Christie, and will not be pursuing a place in senate come Oct.16, the date set for the special election.
Chiesa has been attorney general for nearly a year and a half, and was confirmed unanimously by the state senate, indicating support from both parties.
Gov. Christie said he had been thinking about appointing Chiesa sporadically for some time, though that time frame is not clear, and is happy with his decision.
"I've been thinking about it on and off for a period of time," the governor said. "I started thinking about it in earnest on Monday morning when I get the news of Senator Lautenberg's death."
Chiesa accepted the offer via text, and seemed very grateful for the opportunity.
"I only have these chances because of the governor," he said.
Chiesa admitted he was new to the legislative process.
"These issues are new to me and the details are new to me," he said. "I don't want to get into a litany of issues."
Chiesa is a Republican "generally speaking," but like his pal the governor, has annoyed some staunch conservatives on the right by defending the state's civil union laws and enforcing Jersey's gun buy-back program.
Chiesa has worked on some of the state's most pressing issues including consumer affairs, gaming enforcement legislation, overseeing the police, and later becoming involved in public corruption - one of Christie's top issues as U.S. attorney.
The special election to replace Lautenberg will begin with an Aug. 13 primary and an Oct. 16 general election.
Candidates have until 4 p.m. on June 10 to file with the state Division of Elections for the chance to run in the primary.
