Democratic New Jersey senator Robert Torricelli withdrew from the Senate race in an emotional speech yesterday. In New Jersey officials with the Democratic Party are considering a list of possible Senate candidates to take the place of Robert Torricelli.

In the meantime, Republicans are vowing to block any attempt to replace Torricelli on the ballot, saying it's too late according to the state's election law. Under New Jersey law, a political party can replace a statewide nominee if the person drops out at least 48 days before the election. However, only 35 days remainD. emocratic officials will be in court this afternoon seeking a waiver.

Sources say those being considered to replace Torricelli include Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Bill Bradley and current House members Bob Menendez, Frank Pallone and Rob Andrews. The Democrats are defending a one-seat advantage in the Senate in this mid-term election.

Perfectly Legal?
Richard Perr, Adjunct Professor of election law at Rutgers Law School and an attorney with Fishman & Bach, believes that common law will support the New Jersey Democrats’ efforts to put a new candidate on the ballot. He joined the Brian Lehrer Show.
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