Politics

Christie Official Held in Contempt over Bridge Scandal

Pleaded the Fifth rather than answer state legislative committee questions

|

An ex-New Jersey state transportation official who has been linked to an effort by Gov. Chris Christie's (R) administration to close lanes on the most heavily traveled bridge in the U.S. has been held in contempt by a state legislative committee for refusing to answer questions about the scandal.

The New Jersey General Assembly's Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee voted unanimously to hold former New York and New Jersey Port Authority member David Wildstein in contempt for pleading the Fifth Amendment during a high-profile hearing on Thursday.

Wildstein said repeatedly when he was asked questions by lawmakers that he was pleading the Fifth "on the advice of counsel."