Mr. Kim, 42, is considered the favorite in the November race against Curtis Bashaw, the Republican nominee. Being appointed to the job several months early could have given Mr. Kim a seniority edge and a possible head start toward preferred committee assignments. But Mr. Murphy’s closest advisers had said from the start that the governor was unlikely to select Mr. Kim, who for months was locked in a bruising competition for Mr. Menendez’s seat with the governor’s wife, Tammy Murphy.

That’s unfortunate the governor put his wife’s pride over the good of the country. I guess I understand but it sucks.