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Hissyspit

(45,788 posts)
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 03:45 PM Jan 2014

The 5 Most Damning Revelations In The New Chris Christie Bridge Scandal Documents

http://thinkprogress.org/home/2014/01/11/3150641/damning-revalations-contained-chris-christies-bridge-documents-dump

The 5 Most Damning Revelations In The New Chris Christie Bridge Scandal Documents

BY IGOR VOLSKY ON JANUARY 11, 2014 AT 2:35 PM

Christie’s Port Authority chairman knew about the closings.

Though Christie insisted that David Samson, his chairman of the Port Authority, was not involved in the closings, the documents show that he was aware of the new traffic pattern before testing ended on Sep. 13.
In fact, Samson even wrote an angry email to New York Port Authority Official Patrick Foye, a Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) appointee, accusing him of leaking information to the press. “He’s playing in traffic, made a big mistake,” he wrote:

Christie officials knew that the new traffic patterns were causing massive congestion and raising safety concerns. Still, they continued the “study.”

Christie appointees Bill Baroni — the Deputy Director of the Port Authority — and David Wildstein — director of interstate capital projects — were told on the very first day of the study (Monday) that the new traffic patterns were causing massive delays in Fort Lee and impeding public safety. Fort Lee Police Department Chief called the new traffic pattern a “miserable failure.” Still, the officials kept the bridge lanes closed for three additional days:

Officials were also told that the tests were “very expensive and labor intensive”:

A PowerPoint presentation prepared after three days of snarled traffic, titled “EARLY assessment of the benefits of the trial.” The conclusion: “T.B.D.” (To be determined):

- snip -

Port Authority officials blamed the traffic on the Mayor of Fort Lee.

- snip -

Christie appointees tried to squash press stories about the study.

After reporters from the Wall Street Journal, New York Daily News, the Star Ledger, and other outlets began sending press inquires about the lane closures in September and then again as the controversy heated up in November, Christie appointees repeatedly instructed the press team to keep quiet and avoid comment.

Baroni specifically told Foye to avoid any public discussion about the matter:

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The 5 Most Damning Revelations In The New Chris Christie Bridge Scandal Documents (Original Post) Hissyspit Jan 2014 OP
WOW! Rex Jan 2014 #1
The interesting thing ProSense Jan 2014 #2
There are so many that it is hard to pick spooky3 Jan 2014 #3
Everything Christie has said about this is a lie, and that's the most damning. n/t ProSense Jan 2014 #4
That, and his total hostility toward the people spooky3 Jan 2014 #5
Probably the most damning are the things we don't know about. GreatCaesarsGhost Jan 2014 #6
Their blatant disregard for the citizens they are supposed to be serving is catbyte Jan 2014 #7
Some long jail sentences would be nice. Rex Jan 2014 #8
at the very least. 2naSalit Jan 2014 #12
Here's another one discussed by Carter's grandson Oilwellian Jan 2014 #9
what strikes me is that the Sokolich had the call patched through via another secretary magical thyme Jan 2014 #33
Who broke this story originally? Who pulled the first string?nm rhett o rick Jan 2014 #10
Meet Shawn Borburg of the Bergen Record rocktivity Jan 2014 #25
Chris Christie sure surrounded himself with some stellar public servants, didn't he? catbyte Jan 2014 #31
And it could come back to haunt him -- it could be used as evidence rocktivity Jan 2014 #34
LOL. Mine's a tad more descriptive. catbyte Jan 2014 #37
I hate to say this but there is a chance Christie will walk away from this scandal ... spin Jan 2014 #11
Here's the thing ProSense Jan 2014 #13
Just to be clear: ProSense Jan 2014 #14
Hopefully the "smoking gun" I mentioned will show up and you will get your wish. ... spin Jan 2014 #17
I didn't realize you were a fellow NJer JustAnotherGen Jan 2014 #26
Yup, and that's how ProSense Jan 2014 #28
I can't wait for JustAnotherGen Jan 2014 #29
AP reported ProSense Jan 2014 #30
You may be right. But... olegramps Jan 2014 #15
To be honest I can't think of one Republican who could beat Hillary. ... spin Jan 2014 #18
Just don't tell anyone... SoapBox Jan 2014 #21
I think you're wrong. He acted too late to look decisive and responsible. nt TeamPooka Jan 2014 #19
There is a chance that he can dodge this bullet in terms of remaining governor rocktivity Jan 2014 #20
If Walker in WI was left in place... SoapBox Jan 2014 #23
What did he do when the bridge was closed? Politicalboi Jan 2014 #35
He probably did know. Time will tell if he gets the blame and if his career ends. (n/t) spin Jan 2014 #36
uh huh Skittles Jan 2014 #38
#6: Fort Lee cops were telling angry motorists that it was the fault of the fort Lee governor lindysalsagal Jan 2014 #16
a Colbert take... lol SHRED Jan 2014 #22
ROFL SoapBox Jan 2014 #24
How many foreign wars vlyons Jan 2014 #27
Not to mention what he'd do at NSA. catbyte Jan 2014 #32
 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
1. WOW!
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 03:47 PM
Jan 2014

They are so FUCKED! Stick a fork in all of them! Could possible jail time be around the corner?

ProSense

(116,464 posts)
2. The interesting thing
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 03:56 PM
Jan 2014

"The 5 Most Damning Revelations In The New Chris Christie Bridge Scandal Documents "

...is that the list is missing a few. 6) Christie Cabinet Member Told of Bridge Lane Closures (WSJ)

Scathing bridge complaint reached Christie’s staff (updated)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024315957

spooky3

(34,452 posts)
5. That, and his total hostility toward the people
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 04:11 PM
Jan 2014

And children he harmed and put at risk with his bad behavior.

A complete narcissistic sociopath.

I'm sure there are other instances we do not know about.

catbyte

(34,386 posts)
7. Their blatant disregard for the citizens they are supposed to be serving is
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 04:25 PM
Jan 2014

particularly galling. Who knows what other kinds of shit they've pulled? This wasn't their first rodeo. Shitheads. They should all be fired & forced to refund their salaries.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
8. Some long jail sentences would be nice.
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 04:28 PM
Jan 2014

Probably just a dream, but someone should pay for the death of the elderly woman caught in that political show. She died for no good reason.

Oilwellian

(12,647 posts)
9. Here's another one discussed by Carter's grandson
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 04:52 PM
Jan 2014

He posted this on Facebook. My sense is, Christie's minions were attempting to avoid the mayor.

Why were Gov Christie’s office staff screening Ft Lee mayor’s calls?

One of the emails from the massive bridge-gate document dump that I found particularly interesting has not gotten much attention thus far. It is an email from Christie aide Christina Genovese Renna to Christie’s then Deputy Chief of Staff, Bridget Anne Kelly. In it, Renna describes a phone call that another Christie aide, Evan J Ridley, fielded from Ft. Lee’s mayor, Mark Sokolich.

The most interesting part of the email is the first paragraph, in which Renna explains why Ridley answered the phone, saying:

This afternoon, Evan received a call from Mayor Sokolich. It came from a number he was not familiar with that was actually a secretary who patched the Mayor through to Evan.


This paragraph leads me to believe that Renna felt she needed to justify Ridley’s behavior (speaking to Mayor Sokolich). It also implies that Governor Christie’s staff would have been “familiar” with Sokolich’s number if he had called directly.

The last paragraph is also enlightening. According to Renna, Ridley told the mayor that “he was unaware that the toll lanes were closed.” This was in the afternoon of September 12, the fourth day of the lane closures.

JECarter
 

magical thyme

(14,881 posts)
33. what strikes me is that the Sokolich had the call patched through via another secretary
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 07:08 PM
Jan 2014

That sounds like a maneuver to get around their "radio silence." That he knew by then that if they recognized his number they would not pick up the call, so he had to get in under their radar to actually speak to anybody.

rocktivity

(44,576 posts)
25. Meet Shawn Borburg of the Bergen Record
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:06 PM
Jan 2014
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/watch/reporter-makes-local-story-a-national-scandal-110485571708

He was covering the Ft. Lee traffic closures, and wondered why the usual traffic study protocol hadn't been followed.

P.S. Wildstein took his name, purchased its URL, and pointed it a rival newspaper!



rocktivity

catbyte

(34,386 posts)
31. Chris Christie sure surrounded himself with some stellar public servants, didn't he?
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:54 PM
Jan 2014

That Wildtein sure is a petty bastard. That's Nixonian ratfucker low.

rocktivity

(44,576 posts)
34. And it could come back to haunt him -- it could be used as evidence
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 07:15 PM
Jan 2014

I believe the legal term is "consciousness of guilt..."


rocktivity

spin

(17,493 posts)
11. I hate to say this but there is a chance Christie will walk away from this scandal ...
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:17 PM
Jan 2014

looking like a true leader who accepted responsibility for the actions of his staff and fired those who screwed up.

If a smoking gun is discovered, Christie"s political career is dead. The question is will any evidence show up to prove Christie ordered the shutdown.

I feel the media is hoping for a Presidential race between Hillary and Christie as it will help ratings.

Still many Republicans do not believe Christie is conservative enough to represent their party. I feel it is unlikely that Christie will win in the primary race. The Republicans most likely will chose a super conservative candidate who will get his ass kicked in the Presidential race by his Democratic opponent, whoever that may be.

ProSense

(116,464 posts)
13. Here's the thing
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:21 PM
Jan 2014
I hate to say this but there is a chance Christie will walk away from this scandal ...

looking like a true leader who accepted responsibility for the actions of his staff and fired those who screwed up.

If a smoking gun is discovered, Christie"s political career is dead. The question is will any evidence show up to prove Christie ordered the shutdown.

I feel the media is hoping for a Presidential race between Hillary and Christie as it will help ratings.

Still many Republicans do not believe Christie is conservative enough to represent their party. I feel it is unlikely that Christie will win in the primary race. The Republicans most likely will chose a super conservative candidate who will get his ass kicked in the Presidential race by his Democratic opponent, whoever that may be.

...Christie has been pulling this bullying act for too long, and now he has proven that he is a dangerous and despicable fuck.

I don't give a damn about 2016, Hillary or Christie.

That despicable fuck is the Governor of my state, and I hope he is forced to resign in disgrace.

spin

(17,493 posts)
17. Hopefully the "smoking gun" I mentioned will show up and you will get your wish. ...
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:35 PM
Jan 2014

Or perhaps the investigation into the scandal will uncover some other scandal that will ruin his career.

Considering the political history of your state, I would not be surprised to find that Christie was involved in some corrupt activities.

JustAnotherGen

(31,823 posts)
26. I didn't realize you were a fellow NJer
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:16 PM
Jan 2014
And I agree - I don't give a f*ck about 2016. I care about the issue in front of us. Here we go again . . . With folks saying "just go ith it. It's helpless to try."

Not me. And Tuesday - if Dowd dares to go for confirmation - it's going to be real interesting in Trenton.

This isn't going away. Not for Christie.

ProSense

(116,464 posts)
28. Yup, and that's how
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:22 PM
Jan 2014

"I care about the issue in front of us. Here we go again . . . With folks saying 'just go ith it. It's helpless to try.'"

...Christie keeps getting away with his BS. This time it's a bridge too far.

Christie: Vindictive ass or incompetent buffoon
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/09/1268391/-Christie-Vindictive-ass-or-incompetent-buffoon

Given those two choices, he should be impeached and face criminal charges or his ass should be forced to resign.

Either way, for the good of the state.





JustAnotherGen

(31,823 posts)
29. I can't wait for
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:36 PM
Jan 2014

O'Dowd to make his move. Do you think he will bow out? If he's as arrogant as Christie - he won't.


But it looks like Prieto is going to keep up with it. He wants answers - same ones I'm sure Sweeney and Wiesnewski want.

ProSense

(116,464 posts)
30. AP reported
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:49 PM
Jan 2014

"O'Dowd to make his move. Do you think he will bow out? If he's as arrogant as Christie - he won't. "

...that Christie withdrew the nomination: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024313002#post2

I haven't seen any other confirmation of this.

olegramps

(8,200 posts)
15. You may be right. But...
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:30 PM
Jan 2014

If he becomes the GOP candidate, the videos of his outrageous bullying will play 24/7 on campaign ads for Hilary. Also, he will not be able to escape the aura of being a part of this dangerous fiasco. The undiscerning dupes that daily eat the slop feed to them by the likes of Rush, FOX. etc. will be his only supporters to what will be a bitter and fitting end of his career.

spin

(17,493 posts)
18. To be honest I can't think of one Republican who could beat Hillary. ...
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:38 PM
Jan 2014

Realize that I am not a strong Hillary supporter and have often posted here on DU, "No more Clintons and no more Bushes."

rocktivity

(44,576 posts)
20. There is a chance that he can dodge this bullet in terms of remaining governor
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:45 PM
Jan 2014

if he can keep blowing off the press and undermining the investigation on the state level: his chief of staff is about to become state attorney general, and the state assembly investigators are about to lose their subpoena power. Of course, what happens on the federal investigative level will be another matter.

As for showing off his ability to "accept responsibility," that ship has sailed: He should have fired people and called in the feds himself well over a month ago.


rocktivity

SoapBox

(18,791 posts)
23. If Walker in WI was left in place...
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:58 PM
Jan 2014

I'll lay odds that Gov. Bully will remain.

I'm very happy to eat lots of crow if I'm proven wrong.

 

Politicalboi

(15,189 posts)
35. What did he do when the bridge was closed?
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 08:38 PM
Jan 2014

Where was his outrage? Why didn't he fire Bridget then? I would think in order for him to clear his name, he's got to be the one pushing the investigation. And he was going to still appoint his friend to the AG spot even though he was involved. He knew what was going on IMO.

Skittles

(153,160 posts)
38. uh huh
Sun Jan 12, 2014, 06:11 AM
Jan 2014

at the very least, everyone can see the kind of vile people he trusts in his inner circle

lindysalsagal

(20,686 posts)
16. #6: Fort Lee cops were telling angry motorists that it was the fault of the fort Lee governor
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 05:35 PM
Jan 2014

and of course, no one has claimed to be the originator of the "traffic study."

vlyons

(10,252 posts)
27. How many foreign wars
Sat Jan 11, 2014, 06:20 PM
Jan 2014

would that bully, Chris Christie, and his reckless staffers drag us into, if he ever became POTUS? OMG! what a frightening thing to ponder.

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