Senate panel affirms Christie's pick for AG

(AP) - The Senate Judiciary Committee hasunanimously approved Gov. Chris Christie's choice for New Jerseyattorney general.
Jeff Chiesa's nomination will be forwarded to thefull Senate. A final vote could come Monday, the last day of thelegislative session.
Chiesa's confirmation hearing was smooth. The governor's chiefcounsel had support from Republicans and Democrats.
The Republican governor has repeatedly clashed with theDemocrat-controlled Senate over nominations. Christie's pick foreducation commissioner has been stalled for a year, and it took ayear for his first Supreme Court pick to be approved.
An ongoing stalemate over judicial nominees has forced thepostponement of some Essex County trials.
Outgoing Attorney General Paula Dow has been nominated to thebench in Essex County, subject to confirmation.