List of Christie allies tied to Port Authority schemes grows

Source: Associated Press

List of Christie allies tied to Port Authority schemes grows

Michael Catalini, Associated Press
Updated 9:44 pm, Friday, July 15, 2016

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A growing list of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's allies have pleaded guilty or have been charged in schemes involving their relationships at the powerful agency that runs airports, bridges and tunnels in New York and New Jersey, though Christie, a close ally of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald, faces no accusations of wrongdoing.

David Samson, a mentor to Christie who the Republican governor tapped as chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, pleaded guilty Thursday to using his position to pressure United Airlines to reinstate a flight from Newark to Columbia, South Carolina, to make it easier to get to his vacation home.

Jamie Fox, a former lobbyist for United who Christie later named to a Cabinet post, was charged by federal prosecutors with soliciting the bribe. Fox's attorney says he will fight the charge.

The news puts Christie's judgment center stage with Democrats calling it into question and Republicans defending him just as the party's convention in Cleveland is about to unfold next week and as the governor is set to deliver a speech there.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/List-of-Christie-allies-tied-to-Port-Authority-8379560.php