NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The government’s star witness in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case is set to return to the witness stand in the federal trial of two former allies of Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official David Wildstein pleaded guilty last year to orchestrating traffic jams near the bridge in 2013 to punish a Democratic mayor who didn’t endorse Christie. Christie wasn’t charged.
Prosecutors say Wildstein conspired with former Port Authority executive Bill Baroni and Christie’s former deputy chief of staff Bridget Kelly.
Last week, Wildstein testified Baroni and Kelly were part of efforts by Christie’s administration to use the Port Authority to provide political favors to politicians in return for endorsements.
Defense attorneys have characterized Wildstein as a vulgar, power-smitten opportunist.
