Reaction to the revelation of emails implicating a top aide to Gov. Christie in the September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge:

New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Currie

John Currie
John Currie (YouTube.com)
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“These emails demonstrate that under Governor Christie, vindictive political motivations were allowed to trump any regard for public safety.

“As hearings into this matter continue, Governor Christie owes us an explanation for why his core team appears to have such disdain for the public trust and how they could seriously abuse the power of the governor's office right under his nose.

"This time, I suggest that the governor try a new approach when answering questions: honesty."

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D)

“The residents of Fort Lee were victim to the worst kind of politics. What was revealed today is a clear indication that the investigation into this matter must continue. There are still more questions than answers. I want to again thank and praise Senator Weinberg and Assemblyman Wisniewski for their tireless efforts on this issue.”

Speaker Sheila Oliver (D- Essex, Passaic)

"This GWB debacle is shameful abuse of political power. It should have never happened and must never happen again. Fort Lee residents were used as pawns by the top members of the Christie Administration in an obvious and disgraceful political retribution scheme. The people of New Jersey deserve clear answers on why this happened.

“I am proud of the investigation carried on by Assemblyman Wisniewski thus far. We must continue to investigate and see how far up the ladder it goes.”

Assmblyman  John Wisniewski (D)

“This is a sad day for New Jersey and a sad day for politics.

“The Governor has a lot of explaining to do.

“Mr. Wildstein has repeatedly been painted as the fall guy in this controversy but based on the documents released today, clearly that isn’t so. This is all the more reason why his appearance at tomorrow’s transportation committee hearing is necessary. His testimony can help fill in many blanks.

“Based on the Governor’s previous response regarding his knowledge of the lane closures, either he doesn’t know what’s going on in his front office or he is lying. Given the tight control this administration keeps on the reigns, there are a lot of open questions that remain.

“We still have much more to learn and this committee will continue to seek answers. I want to thank Assembly Speaker-elect Prieto for vowing to continue this investigation when the new legislature reconvenes next week,” said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex).

Assembly Speaker-elect Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen)

“Given the new information that has come to light today, I plan a thorough review of the documents received from the Port Authority officials.

“Upon becoming Assembly Speaker next week, I plan to seek counsel and guidance from legal experts and how best to proceed.

“But I fully expect this investigation to continue into the next legislative session.”

State Senator Barbara Buono (D)

"Right now, we have no idea how far this scandal goes. The Governor has created a culture where cavalierly endangering citizens' lives to exact political retribution is an acceptable form of governance. It's beneath the dignity of his office and a breach of New Jerseyans' trust.

"Everyone who had knowledge of the closing should be terminated immediately and the Department of Justice should conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether other towns in New Jersey suffered because the Governor wanted to get revenge."

 

State Senator Ray Lesniak (D)


 

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09)

"Throughout this investigation I've remained quiet in order to allow the facts to come to light. After today’s revelations I can no longer remain silent. I am outraged that the safety of my constituents was callously jeopardized to inflict political retribution. It's time for the Governor to stop with the mockery and the denials and take responsibility for what his administration has done here in Fort Lee and perhaps elsewhere in New Jersey."

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz

“The latest news in Chris Christie’s bridge scandal indicates political retribution and raises a host of new questions. What is crystal clear is that the Governor’s office ordered lane closures that were intended to make first responders experience delays, kids sit gridlocked on the first day of school, and commuters hit log jams, to punish the Democratic mayor who didn’t endorse Chris Christie's reelection bid.

“These revelations are troubling for any public official, but they also indicate what we’ve come to expect from Governor Christie – when people oppose him, he exacts retribution. When people question him, he belittles and snidely jokes. And when anyone dares to look into his Administration, he bullies and attacks.

“For 121 days, Chris Christie disparaged the questioners and later lied saying no one in his office was involved. That was clearly untrue given the discovery of emails that came directly from his own top staff. Time’s up, Governor.”

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