Christie announced the nomination of Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow at a Statehouse news conference Tuesday.
Christie says Dow is tough and capable. Christie says Dow's nomination was an easy choice because she "comes in first" on merits.
Dow worked with Christie in the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Dow has been a county prosecutor since 2003. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office handles about a quarter of all criminal prosecutions in the garden State.
The 54-year-old would replace Anne Milgram if her nomination is confirmed by the New Jersey Senate.
