Republicans are fuming over New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to hold an early special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, with several Washington-based operatives suggesting he’s putting his own interests ahead of the GOP’s, National Journal reports. The Republican governor said his decision was dictated by state election law, though Politico points out the timing means that popular Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker will not be on the ballot — potentially stoking Democratic turnout — when voters decide whether to give Christie another term in November. Christie also came out fighting, telling reporters, “”I don’t know what the cost is and I quite frankly don’t care. I don’t think you can put a price tag on what it’s worth it have an elected person in the United States Senate and I will do whatever I need to do to make sure those costs are covered because all the people of the state of New Jersey will benefit from it. And we’re not going to be penny wise and pound foolish around here.” See Christie’s press conference here.