As most New Jersey politicos expected, Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) issued a writ setting the special election primary and general dates to fill the term of the late Rep. Donald Payne as concurrent with the previously scheduled state primary and general election dates for 2012.

State tradition has it that special elections are rarely held because of the costs associated. Instead, the special election is held in conjunction with the state’s scheduled primary and general elections. A candidate’s name appears twice on the ballot, once for the special election and again in the contest for a full term.

The winner of the special election will fill out the lame-duck term after the November election.

In other 10th district news, Newark City Councilman Ron Rice picked up the endorsements of two of his colleagues, Newark South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka and Central Ward Councilman Darrin Sharif.

Newark City Council President Donald Payne, Jr., the son of the late Congressman, announced earlier this month that he is running to succeed his father.

This is a move to counter the party county machine politics that dominate New Jersey. Donald Payne, Jr. is expected to have much of the local Democratic Party establishment behind him.

The Congressman, who had been diagnosed with colon cancer, died March 6.