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 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.
In the conclusion of eight days of testimony, Wildstein said 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.
Baroni, who is a former Port Authority executive, and former Christie deputy chief of staff Bridget Kelly face fraud and conspiracy charges. Christie wasn’t charged.
