New Jersey Gov. Christie's office connected to GW Bridge closing scandal

Newly released emails suggest that politics -- from the highest levels of Gov. Chris Christie's administration -- may have played a role in last fall's closure of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, N.J.

The lane closures led to a massive, multi-day traffic jam in the town of Fort Lee, N.J. -- a traffic jam Democrats have argued was intended as a form of retaliation against Fort Lee's Democratic mayor.

Christie had in recent weeks dismissed the suggestion that the lane closures were a scandal using terms like "absolutely, unequivocally."

Democrats had suggested the closures were political retribution for Ft. Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who did not endorse the governor's re-election campaign last year.

"Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee," Christie Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly wrote to Christie Port Authority aide David Wildstein on Aug. 13, weeks before the lane closures that ensnared traffic on the first day of school in New Jersey last fall.

Wildstein replies, "Got it."

In addition, an unidentified person sent this text message about delayed school buses to Wildstein on Sept. 10, the second day of the lane closures:

Person: "Is it wrong that I am smiling?"

Wildstein: "No."

Person: "I feel badly about the kids. I guess."

Wildstein: "They are the children of Buono voters."

Buono is the Democrat whom Christie defeated in last year's gubernatorial race.

On Wednesday, Gov. Christie promised that "people will be held responsible for their actions.”

 From his statement today:

“What I've seen today for the first time is unacceptable," Christie said. "I am outraged and deeply saddened to learn that not only was I misled by a member of my staff, but this completely inappropriate and unsanctioned conduct was made without my knowledge."

(source)