Gov. Chris Christie says the leaking of confidential questionnaires filled out by two Supreme Court nominees and submitted to a senate panel could be a criminal violation.

The questionnaires, obtained by the Star-Ledger of Newark, detailed how much property the nominees own and political donations made by one. The documents are not supposed to be made public.

Meanwhile, Christie won't respond to Democrats' calls for the nominees to release their tax forms.

Last month, the GOP governor moved to diversify the high court with two firsts: an openly gay black man and an immigrant. But they were swiftly criticized as information about their financial histories and political leanings came to light.

State Sen. President Steve Sweeney says anyone found to have released the confidential information will be "dealt with appropriately."

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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