GOPer Investigating Scandal Faces Questions Over Contact With Christie Pal

[ProSense]

GOPer Investigating Scandal Faces Questions Over Contact With Christie Pal

It is just one document among the hundreds released last week related to the George Washington Bridge lane closures, but an early December email sent from the official who ordered the closures to Gov. Chris Christie's (R) spokesperson may have had its significance overlooked in the initial crush of coverage about the scandal.

"Thanks again for all your sound advice last night, I always appreciate your friendship," former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive David Wildstein wrote to Christie spokesperson Michael Drewniak on Dec. 5, the morning after the pair shared a dinner. "Spoke with O'Toole this morning and he will talk with you later today."

One of the key New Jersey Democrats behind the investigation of the closures told TPM on Friday that "O'Toole" was almost certainly New Jersey state Sen. Kevin O'Toole (R) -- a Christie ally who by day is a name partner at a New Jersey-based law firm which describes its lawyers as "experts in crisis management." A further complication: O'Toole was named this week to a new state Senate committee tasked with investigating the lane closures.

"I would assume from reading that email that it was Sen. O'Toole that he spoke with," New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D), who is leading the committee, told TPM. "If that is so, I assume that Sen. O'Toole will clear up that there will be no conflict to his serving on the committee."

It is not clear what exactly Wildstein and O'Toole may have discussed on Dec. 5. But Wildstein -- whose attorney did not respond to a request for comment -- announced his resignation from the Port Authority the day after he sent the email mentioning O'Toole.

- more -

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/muckraker/christie-wildstein-otoole

Player in NJ Bridge Scandal Will Talk for Immunity
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024345850

[Kingofalldems]

1. Never trust a republican

[ProSense]

2. Kick! n/t

[Cha]

3. Not good to have your name associated with giving Wildstein "sound advice"

the day before he resigns from his job at the PA that was created just for him. Or noted "speaking with O'Toole" "and he will talk to you later today". O'Toole is in the hot seat now.. I would expect a recusal or explain why he should stay when it looks like he's in bed with DW and Michael Drewniak.

"Thanks again for all your sound advice last night, I always appreciate your friendship," former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive David Wildstein wrote to Christie spokesperson Michael Drewniak on Dec. 5, the morning after the pair shared a dinner. "Spoke with O'Toole this morning and he will talk with you later today."

Thank you, PS

[Beach Rat]

4. Oh Man!

O'Toole being on that committee is like putting a fox in charge of the investigation into the missing chickens!