Politico: Christie's last big move could be filling Menendez's seat

[Heisenberg]

The governor can't schedule a special election, an election (regular or special), would be held during the 2018 midterm

What do you mean? He did just that in 2013. Even the article explicitly states he can call a special election before the 2018 GE.

He did that in 2013 because he didn't want to share the ticket with Booker. At that time, he was very popular and was headed towards a landslide reelection victory. Now, with him being termed out, he'll just want Republicans to hold that seat as long as possible, and with nothing else for him to do, and with his approvals so low he probably does not even care anymore, I can see him just set the special date at the same time as the 2018 GE (saves money), the GOP holds the seat until then, and  he stays in the Senate for about a whole year.

[Heisenberg]

Christie might appoint himself in order for New Jersey to have a Republican Senator for a year.

If Menendez goes, he's going after Murphy assumes office. Senate democrats wont vote to expel him and Menendez will sure appeal a guilty ruling. Lets also not forget that its not illegal for a felon to be a senator.

Democrats might vote to expel Menendez because they will likely hold on to this seat anyway.

I can see them try and see if they can get him expelled after Murphy is sworn in. But I doubt they'd want to be painted as "defending a criminal," so they probably will expel him.