Key question: What does Zimmer have to gain? What does Guadagno have to lose?

[Atman]

I don't want to be over-simplistic, but hey...I'm just trying to be logical here. Guadagno admits to a private conversation with Zimmer, Zimmer journaled that Guadagno said she'd deny anything, Guadagno is now denying it, just as Zimmer journaled.

Now, who has the most to lose, and why? Why would Zimmer go forward with this? Is someone actually paying her enough to destroy her career and do jail time for just making up a story? So, consider, the Lt. Governor...what does she have to lose by telling the truth? A LOT. The end of her career, jail time, the end of the Governor's career...LOTS.

It's doesn't make sense that Mayor Zimmer would take on this battle...but it makes plenty of sense as to why Guadango would.

[onehandle]

1. Yep. Zimmer has zero to gain and in fact has risked her political career.

Guadagno, on the other hand, is a POLITICAL HACK, and has plenty to gain from her Bullying Crook Boss.

[Stuart G]

2. If one looks at it this way, the truth is more than obvious.

Zimmer wins, others loose. And, guess what..........Depending upon how well Zimmer is able to discuss this in court, then the others will go to jail. Yes...jail, extortion, obstruction of justice..etc.

[beachbum bob]

3. seems like the issue for credibility falls right back into christie's and his Lt Govenor.

"a criminal investigation is under way involving his running mate, New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno.



As a county sheriff in 2008, Guadagno made false statements to enable her chief officer to pocket nearly $85,000 a year in retirement pay while drawing an $87,500 annual salary. The double-dipping scheme first was reported by New Jersey Watchdog in 2010.

The state's investigation is assigned to the Attorney's General's Division of Criminal Justice, a unit where Guadagno once served as deputy director. Despite the apparent conflict, Christie has not appointed a special prosecutor.

A spokesman for Christie and Guadagno declined to comment. The Attorney General's Office did not respond to questions."

http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/05/14/11690662-gov-christies-pension-issue-nj-probe-looks-at-running-mate-double-dipping?lite

[Gothmog]

4. Zimmer has already testified under oath

When Mayor Zimmer met with the US Attorney on Sunday, all of the testimony and statements she made to the US Attorney are in effect under oath. Mayor Zimmer could be prosecuted if any of the statements made to the US Attorney turn out to be lies. I doubt that the Lt. Governor is going to like to make her statements under oath

[Gothmog]

5. Here is the law on lying to an US govt official

It is a crime to make a false statement to a federal official including a US Attorney http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully—

(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;
(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or
(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;

shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years or, if the offense involves international or domestic terrorism (as defined in section 2331), imprisoned not more than 8 years, or both. If the matter relates to an offense under chapter 109A, 109B, 110, or 117, or section 1591, then the term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall be not more than 8 years.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a party to a judicial proceeding, or that party’s counsel, for statements, representations, writings or documents submitted by such party or counsel to a judge or magistrate in that proceeding.

(c) With respect to any matter within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch, subsection (a) shall apply only to—

(1) administrative matters, including a claim for payment, a matter related to the procurement of property or services, personnel or employment practices, or support services, or a document required by law, rule, or regulation to be submitted to the Congress or any office or officer within the legislative branch; or

(2) any investigation or review, conducted pursuant to the authority of any committee, subcommittee, commission or office of the Congress, consistent with applicable rules of the House or Senate.

Remember, Scooter Libby was convicted of lying to FBI agents. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17479718/ns/politics/t/jurors-convict-libby-four-five-charges/

Libby was convicted of one count of obstruction, two counts of perjury and one count of lying to the FBI about how he learned Plame’s identity and whom he told. Prosecutors said he learned about Plame from Cheney and others, discussed her name with reporters and, fearing prosecution, made up a story to make those discussions seem innocuous.

The statements made Mayor Zimmer would carry the same penalty if she is found to have lied to the US Attorney