The facts are in—N.J. Gov Chris Christie did not know of the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, much less order them, according to an internal report commissioned by the governor himself that did not interview any of the key witnesses.
Attorney Randy M. Mastro, the lead attorney of the firm who produced the $1 million report paid by N.J. taxpayers clearing Gov. Christie of any wrongdoing in what is called a lane "realignment" and laying the blame on Bridget Kelly, a deputy chief of staff in the governor’s office, sounds like a defense attorney making his case to a jury, according to The New York Times.
In addition to clearing Christie in the illegal September closure of access lanes to Fort Lee, N.J. now known as "Bridge-gate," the 360-page report (see key excerpts) which some skeptics have likened to Christie's defense papers when "two probes from likely less-friendly investigators: the Democratic-controlled state Legislature and federal prosecutors," are released, dismissed "Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s allegations that the Christie administration withheld Hurricane Sandy aid in an effort to help a private developer", calling those charges "unsubstantiated, 'demonstrably false,” and 'unbelievable',” writes Ted Sherman.
As of Friday (March 28) morning, responses to The Star-Ledger's poll about Christie's presidential ambitions, "Will new Christie bridge scandal report help remove doubt about 2016?," showed that the public does not appear to place much faith in the report, with 86.71% voting "No".
FULL STORY: Christie bridge scandal: Internal report clears governor, calls for Port Authority restructuring
Bridgegate Winding Down
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie was never charged in the scandal that shut down access to the nation's busiest bridge for three days in September 2013 for political retribution. His aide and an appointment to the Port Authority were sentenced to prison.
Bridgegate Implications for New Jersey and Beyond
In The New York Times Sunday Review, Matt Katz, a political reporter for WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio, gives an update on the federal trial for 'Bridgegate' and also paints a bleak picture for New Jersey, and maybe the United States.
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Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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