At the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2012 for the first phase of the $1 billion project in Fort Lee, several public officials were present including Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan, Freeholder chairman John Mitchell, State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37), State Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-37), Englewood Mayor Frank Huttle and Freeholder Joan Voss of Fort Lee. Neither Governor Christie nor Lieutenant Governor Guadagno was present.

The question, therefore that must be asked is: did Mayor Sokolich invite Gov. Christie to the ceremony? If so, why didn’t the governor show up? If he was busy campaigning for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, then why wasn’t Lt. Gov. Guadagno sent in his place?

If Mayor Sokoloich did not invite Gov. Christie, was this the “slight” that triggered “bridge gate?” Gov. Christie’s theme for his first term in office is the ” Jersey Comeback.” What better way to highlight New Jersey’s comeback then to make remarks about a privately financed $1 billion development in Fort Lee, the gateway to New York City?

Until all the principals in the “Bridgegate” fiasco testify under oath, the above is just mere speculation. But given Christie’s supersize ego, his sensitivity to “slights,” and the cronyism that apparently is rampant in all administrations, playing hardball is what politics is all about.