A former Chris Christie aide testified on Tuesday as to the possible role the administration may have had in George Washington bridge lane-closures.
The closures were allegedly meant to cause major traffic jams and “punish” a mayor that didn’t come out in support of the governor during his campaign.
Christina Renna told lawmakers that she had no knowledge of the plans to close bridges for false reasons.
“The bridge lane closures did not in any way, shape or form exemplify the IGA that I know,” said Renna. “For four years, the IGA’s focus was good government.”
Renna worked under former deputy chief of staff Bridget Anne Kelly.
Though Renna was careful to avoid giving answers that could in anyway implicate herself, Renna joined a rising chorus of voices seeking to put much of the blame for the scandal on Kelly.
Kelly was the official who sent the email, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” This was believed to have been the direct order to orchestrate the bridge closures.
Christie fired Kelly for her role in the scandal. Renna resigned in February.
During her two hour testimony, Renna admitted that she found Kelly to be both “insecure” with a bit of a manipulative personality.
What may be defining quote of bridgegate: "You can't trust anyone, Christina" — Bridget Kelly to aide, Christina Renna, on day Kelly fired.
— Michael Barbaro (@mikiebarb) May 6, 2014
Bridget Kelly's lawyer contests Christina Renna's testimony: "We’re saying we did not tell her to delete it." http://t.co/Xd7fSaz0Ie
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) May 7, 2014
Said Renna, “[Kelly] would rely heavily on other people, I think, to make decisions for her.”
Renna admits that the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs which Kelly headed kept an informal list of mayors that either endorsed Christie or were considering doing so.
However, the former aide said that she did not believe these persons received any special treatment.
Ex-Christie aide: There are "inaccuracies" in governor's self-exoneration http://t.co/AAb2u6U4TQ pic.twitter.com/zsbH5t2I0h
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) May 7, 2014
The governor commissioned an internal review which cleared him of any wrongdoing and affirmed his claims he had no knowledge of the closures.
Critics claim that the review is incomplete and Renna herself said that after speaking with investigators she was sure that the report contained errors.
Image via YouTube