Former Christie Aides To Make Their Case To Judge Tuesday For Withholding Documents
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two figures in an alleged political payback plot that has overshadowed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's administration will attempt to convince a judge that they shouldn't be forced to turn over documents to a legislative panel investigating lane closures at the George Washington Bridge.
Lawyers for former Christie campaign manager Bill Stepien and fired Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Kelly have asked the judge to throw out their subpoenas.
They say handing over personal emails, text messages and planning calendars would be like testifying against themselves.
They also cite the possibility of criminal prosecution as a legal basis for not complying with a request for correspondence involving a plot to create traffic jams near the George Washington Bridge.
More than a dozen individuals and organizations close to Christie have complied with similar subpoenas.
Oral arguments are scheduled for Tuesday.
Documents that were subpoenaed earlier and released showed that Kelly gave the go-ahead to shut down the lanes in Fort Lee, possibly as a political vendetta against the borough's mayor, Mark Sokolich, for not endorsing Christie for re-election. Stepien had exchanged texts with Kelly discussing the lane closures.
Christie has denied knowledge of any plot.
Two figures in an alleged political payback plot that has overshadowed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's administration will attempt to convince a judge that they shouldn't be forced to turn over documents to a legislative panel investigating lane closures at the George Washington Bridge.
Lawyers for former Christie campaign manager Bill Stepien and fired Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Kelly have asked the judge to throw out their subpoenas.
They say handing over personal emails, text messages and planning calendars would be like testifying against themselves.
They also cite the possibility of criminal prosecution as a legal basis for not complying with a request for correspondence involving a plot to create traffic jams near the George Washington Bridge.
More than a dozen individuals and organizations close to Christie have complied with similar subpoenas.
Oral arguments are scheduled for Tuesday.
Documents that were subpoenaed earlier and released showed that Kelly gave the go-ahead to shut down the lanes in Fort Lee over four days in September, possibly as a political vendetta against the borough's mayor, Mark Sokolich, for not endorsing Christie for re-election. Stepien had exchanged texts with Kelly discussing the lane closures.
Christie has denied knowledge of any plot.
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