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Witness: Plan was to 'insulate' Christie in bridge scandal

Published  October 5, 2016 1:42pm EDT
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - The government's key witness in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial says a goal in the aftermath of the scandal was to insulate New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office from blame.

David Wildstein is testifying for the eighth day, Wednesday, in the trial of two former Christie allies charged with orchestrating traffic jams to retaliate against a mayor who didn't endorse the Republican governor.

Former deputy of chief of staff Bridget Kelly and former bridge authority executive Bill Baroni face fraud and conspiracy charges in connection with the September 2013 lane closures. Christie wasn't charged.

Wildstein finished his long testimony saying defendant Bill Baroni's testimony before a New Jersey legislative committee in November 2013 was meant to blame the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and make "no mention" of the governor's office.