Defense calls Christie a coward; jury now has bridge case
Source: Associated Press
David Porter, Associated Press
Updated 3:12 pm, Monday, October 31, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A defense attorney thundered in closing arguments Monday in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial that Gov. Chris Christie and his inner circle were "cowards" for not testifying against a former staffer on trial for using gridlock for political retaliation.
In an emotional presentation that lasted more than two hours, Michael Critchley cast client Bridget Kelly as a single mother faced with an administration more concerned with keeping Christie's nascent presidential hopes alive than with exposing the truth when details of the scandal surfaced three years ago.
. . .
The scandal involving the nation's busiest bridge, which connects Fort Lee and Manhattan, unfolded at a time when Christie was on the brink of a runaway re-election victory and was considered a top Republican presidential contender. He wasn't charged, but the story dogged him through a failed presidential bid.
Kelly testified during the trial that she told Christie about the lane closures a month before they happened, something Christie has adamantly denied. Critchley reminded jurors Monday that the government didn't call Christie to say that under oath.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Jurors-in-bridge-trial-to-hear-from-lawyers-once-10424062.php
