Brent Johnson, of the Star-Ledger, just published, Christie bridge scandal: Panel looking into whether governor flew in helicopter over Fort Lee.
TRENTON — The state legislative committee investigating the George Washington Bridge scandal is looking into whether Gov. Chris Christie flew in a state helicopter over Fort Lee at the time of last year's controversial lane closures, according to a source with knowledge of the probe. ...
Colin Reed, a spokesman for Christie's office, confirmed today that the Republican governor did fly in a helicopter from New York to Trenton on Sept. 11 of last year — the third day of the closures. But asked whether the aircraft passed over the bridge, Reed declined comment.
"Anonymous" speculation is loudly wondering if this could be the "evidence that exists" according to David Wildstein. Christie's helicopter logs are included in the announcement of the 18 new subpoenas just announced in the last hour.
The legislative committee is looking into any conversations Christie may have had with Wildstein on Sept. 11 — the third day of the five-day closures — after pictures surfaced showing them together that day, according to the report by the Post. ... Reed said the governor traveled via ferry from Jersey City for a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and flew back to Trenton via helicopter.
"David Wildstein did not ride with him that day, or any day, as he has never flown in the helicopter with the governor," Reed said.
Two years ago, Christie was criticized for using the State Police helicopters to travel to his son's baseball games.
In another article in NJ.com entitled,
Christie bridge scandal: Recipients of 18 new subpoenas revealed Christopher Baxter breaks the story of 18 new subpoenas just announced by the New Jersey state legislative committee investigating the GWB lane closings.
Recipients include the State Police aviation unit, which oversees Christie's helicopter travel, four new members of Christie's office, and his failed state Supreme Court nominee, Phillip Kwon, who now works as deputy general counsel at the Port Authority.
The names were included on a document titled, "Recommended additional subpoena recipients,' which was circulated to committee members. The document was obtained by The Star-Ledger, and a source close to the investigation confirmed the list matched those who will be issued subpoenas. ...
The full list of those to be subpoenaed is:
Chris Christie for Governor, the governor's re-election campaign
Christie's office
Regina Egea, director of the authorities unit, governor's office
Nicole Crifo, senior counsel to the authorities unit, governor's office
Jeanne Ashmore, director of constituent relations, governor's office
Rosemary Iannacone, director of operations, governor's office
Barbara Panebianco, executive assistant to Bridge Anne Kelly, governor's office
Custodian of records, State Police aviation unit
William "Pat" Schuber, commissioner at the Port Authority
Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director at the Port Authority
Custodian of records, Port Authority
Steve Coleman, deputy director of media relations, Port Authority
Phillip Kwon, deputy general counsel, Port Authority
John Ma, chief of staff to Executive Director Patrick Foye, Port Authority
Matthew Bell, special assistant to former Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, Port Authority
Gretchen DiMarco, assistant to Baroni, Port Authority
Arielle Schwarz, special assistant to former Director of Interstate Capital Projects David Wildstein, Port Authority
Mark Muriello, assistant director of Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals, Port Authority
Notice that Bill Boroni and Phillip Kwon are included on this list.
The worm turns. Drip ... drip ... drip.
3:58 PM PT: is also reporting that the legislative committee rejected Bill Stepien's and Bridget Kelly's attempt to extend their Fifth Amendment rights to include document production. The courts will have to decide.
The panel also agreed to take additional steps to enforce subpoenas to two key figures in the bridge scandal that is engulfing the administration of the Republican governor and possible 2016 presidential candidate.
Former Christie campaign manager Bill Stepien and fired deputy chief of staff Bridget Kelly have asserted their right against self-incrimination and refused to comply with the subpoenas. The panel on Monday voted to reject those objections and continue to seek most of the documents. Four Republicans on the panel abstained, saying they were not given ample time to review the complex Fifth Amendment arguments.