NJ Lawmakers Urge Caution On Alternate Bridge Scandal Theories

[DonViejo]

ERIC LACH – JANUARY 13, 2014, 6:35 PM EST

Asked about a theory linking the George Washington Bridge lane closings scandal to a billion-dollar redevelopment project in Fort Lee, N.J., two Democratic New Jersey state Assemblymen told TPM on Monday that the investigation of the incident needs to be allowed to run its course.

"I think it's a plausible idea," Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D) told TPM. "I think that from my perspective, you're going to have a lot of theorists out there now"

Greenwald said that the newly-announced special investigatory committee that will look into the scandal will have to take a "very methodical approach" to the investigation, where "if the evidence leads us to that, then that's where we'll go."

"Clearly, that is an issue that is outside of the Port Authority, it's outside of a transportation issue, and that's why we formed this new committee," Greenwald said.

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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/development-theory-democrats

[Tx4obama]

1. NJ Dem: Development Theory Is 'Absolutely' Plausible In Bridge Scandal

NJ Dem: Development Theory Is 'Absolutely' Plausible In Bridge Scandal

One of the top Democrats in New Jersey told TPM on Monday that it's "absolutely" possible a billion-dollar redevelopment project is at the root of the scandal that has consumed Gov. Chris Christie (R) in recent days.

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D) said she hasn't dismissed the idea that the closing of lanes on the George Washington Bridge in September was retaliation against the mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., where traffic was gridlocked for days, for not endorsing Christie. However, she said she was open to a theory about the redevelopment project that was first offered by MSNBC host Steve Kornacki and former political reporter Brian Murphy on Sunday.

"Would these developments play a role in this and be sort of a typical Jersey political story? Absolutely," Weinberg said. "It could have been to show this developer: 'You want a piece of the action? I want -- I'm making something up here -- I want to be the traffic consultant, I want to be the attorney who rents out the property,' or, you know, whatever."

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Full article here: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/weinberg-development-deal