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In reply to the discussion: Christie Crime Digest-Volume IV [View all]Eugene
(61,965 posts)74. Witness: Plan Was to 'Insulate' Christie in Bridge Scandal
Source: Associated Press
Witness: Plan Was to 'Insulate' Christie in Bridge Scandal
By DAVID PORTER, ASSOCIATED PRESS NEWARK, N.J. Oct 5, 2016, 3:32 PM ET
The man at the heart of the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case concluded eight days of testimony Wednesday by reiterating that a goal in the aftermath of the scandal was to insulate New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office from blame.
David Wildstein, the one person to plead guilty in the alleged political retaliation plot by Christie loyalists against the mayor of the town that abuts the bridge, struck a contrite pose as he described first telling a bridge authority police official not to lie about the plot then reversing field.
"I was in a bad place. I was feeling sorry for myself," Wildstein said during questioning by defense lawyers. The official, Paul Nunziato, said in December 2013 the lane closures near the bridge, which caused massive gridlock for four days in the town of Fort Lee, were part of a traffic study suggested by police.
The overriding goal in the months following the September 2013 closures, Wildstein said, was to keep Christie's office out of any public discussions.
That goal, he said, guided the preparation for testimony in November 2013 to a New Jersey legislative committee by Bill Baroni, one of two defendants Wildstein testified against in the current trial. Baroni told that committee the gridlock was due to a traffic study that had been poorly communicated to local officials and motorists.
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By DAVID PORTER, ASSOCIATED PRESS NEWARK, N.J. Oct 5, 2016, 3:32 PM ET
The man at the heart of the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case concluded eight days of testimony Wednesday by reiterating that a goal in the aftermath of the scandal was to insulate New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office from blame.
David Wildstein, the one person to plead guilty in the alleged political retaliation plot by Christie loyalists against the mayor of the town that abuts the bridge, struck a contrite pose as he described first telling a bridge authority police official not to lie about the plot then reversing field.
"I was in a bad place. I was feeling sorry for myself," Wildstein said during questioning by defense lawyers. The official, Paul Nunziato, said in December 2013 the lane closures near the bridge, which caused massive gridlock for four days in the town of Fort Lee, were part of a traffic study suggested by police.
The overriding goal in the months following the September 2013 closures, Wildstein said, was to keep Christie's office out of any public discussions.
That goal, he said, guided the preparation for testimony in November 2013 to a New Jersey legislative committee by Bill Baroni, one of two defendants Wildstein testified against in the current trial. Baroni told that committee the gridlock was due to a traffic study that had been poorly communicated to local officials and motorists.
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Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/key-government-witness-returns-stand-bridge-trial-42584161
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this is the guy who is demanding that legal marijuana users in 3 states be thrown in prison.
Warren DeMontague
Sep 2016
#14
I got an aha moment looking at Christie's wretched face when Trump ignored him
dixiegrrrrl
Sep 2016
#55
Well, the fact that this meeting took place, uh, off site HELPS christie, doesn't it?
rocktivity
Sep 2016
#27
Thank you for the thread and thank you for making DU a good place to hang out
dixiegrrrrl
Sep 2016
#45
Since it was meant to be team-building exercise, he very likely didn't know about the contest
rocktivity
Oct 2016
#83
x-posted from GD: Judge recommends N.J. Gov. Chris Christie be charged in bridge-closing scandal
Eugene
Oct 2016
#86
"Many questions seeking “yes” or “no” answers elicited lengthy explanations from Baroni..."
rocktivity
Oct 2016
#95
Kelly says she told Christie of plot the day before she sent 'traffic problems' email
malaise
Oct 2016
#99
Don't cry for her, New Jersey -- the truth is, she should have copped a plea, too
rocktivity
Oct 2016
#106
The prosecution doesn't have to prove motive as a rule (if you'll pardon the expression)
rocktivity
Oct 2016
#118