Christie has NOT been exonerated

A lawyer from the firm that Gov. Chris Christie chose to investigate him and his staff  -- paid for by New Jersey taxpayers -- sums up the report of their investigation by saying that there is "no hard evidence" that the governor had any involvement with the bridge closing.

Let's not be fooled, however.   This report is anything but objective and complete.   It does not "exonerate" Christie, as he is now boldly claiming.

First, the five principle people who know what went on -- Bridgett Kelly, Steve Stepien, David Wildstein, Bill Baroni, and David Sampson -- either declined to provide testimony or were unable to because of ongoing federal investigations.  So we do not know what they know, nor what their documents might show.

That's like investigating a murder, and you can't talk to the five eye-witnesses;  but, because 10 other people, who weren't there, said they didn't see anything -- the suspect says he was exonerated.

Second, the report is shocking in its tone toward Bridgett Kelly, Christie's deputy chief of staff.   It's crystal clear she is the one chosen to be thrown under the bus and have the whole mess blamed on her.

It goes beyond trying to put the blame on her.   What is shocking is the personal, sexist attack on her (a scorned woman whose emotions clouded her judgment;  "she cries a lot").   When asked about this portrayal in his news conference, Christie played the high hand:   no, this wasn't a personal attack;  it was just that this is what people they interviewed told the investigators. 

Third, it's obvious that this is a pre-emptive, defensive strike to discredit any future testimony Bridget Kelly might give to implicate Christie.   This was a mistake -- and one I'm glad they made.    Kelly has come back swinging, as if any shred of loyalty to Christie has now been destroyed.   Her lawyer's letter in response was scathing -- and told the federal prosecutor that she is ready to tell everything if given immunity.

Fourth, Kelly's lawyer's letter gave a strong hint at what she will say.   Carefully worded, to be sure, but the letter closed by saying that Ms. Kelly had always worked hard "to carry out the policies of the Christi office" [italics added].
 
This is a strong signal that her testimony would be that it was clear to her that this is what Christie wanted.  She was not a rogue, vindictive individual but rather a team player following the plan set by the top dog himself.

So -- just forget this million-dollar boondoggle of an "investigation" (unless you pay taxes in NJ).  It means nothing in the legal investigation.   Leave that to the federal prosecutor, whose official investigation is going far beyond bridge closings to include misallocations of federal money, including political favoritism and paybacks.

Ralph