(CNN) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he had some "pretty good fights" with Sen. Frank Lautenberg. But Lautenberg's death early Monday puts the Republican governor in a pretty good bind in replacing him. Lautenberg dies; was U.S. Senate's last WW II vet "It's no mystery that Sen. Lautenberg and I didn't always agree," Christie said Monday of the liberal Democrat. "In fact, it probably is more honest to say we very often didn't agree, and we had some pretty good fights between us over time -- battles on philosophy and the role of government." Lautenberg: The last 'swamp dog'
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Law allows N.J. governor to temporarily fill seat held by late Sen. Frank Lautenberg
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Question is timing for a special election this year or a vote in November 2014
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Christie up for re-election this year, considered possible 2016 presidential contender
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Christie angered conservatives with praise for Obama following 2012 hurricane
As Christie, a Republican, runs for what is expected to be a relatively easy re-election, he now invites unwanted attention as he decides on a temporary replacement for @placeholder.
The next general election in the @placeholder is in November, when Christie is up for re-election.