US attorney inquiry into Christie widens

[ProSense]

US attorney inquiry into Christie widens

By Steve Kornacki and Meredith Clark

The New Jersey mayor who publicly claimed this weekend that Gov. Chris Christie’s administration tried to withhold hurricane relief funds met Sunday in private with the U.S. attorney for the state of New Jersey.

“This afternoon I met with the U.S. Attorney’s office for several hours at their request and provided them with my journal and other documents,” Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said in a statement Sunday. “As they pursue this investigation, I will provide any requested information and testify under oath about the facts of what happened when the Lieutenant Governor came to Hoboken and told me that Sandy aid would be contingent on moving forward with a private development project.”

Zimmer said Saturday in an interview with MSNBC that she would be willing to sign a sworn statement and testify under oath that she had been threatened by the governor’s staff to approve a development project or risk hurricane relief funding for her town of Hoboken, which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

The mayor’s claims, repeated again in a second interview Sunday with CNN, have fueled public impressions of Christie’s administration, which is already enveloped in a separate scandal of apparent political retribution aimed at another New Jersey town.

- more -

http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/us-attorney-inquiry-christie-widens

[GP6971]

1. I got the impression from

yesterday 's interview that Mayor Zimmer 1.) had her "ducks in a row" and 2.) was very sincere and would go the distance.

[Spazito]

2. Very bad news for Christie and Sampson, very good news for brave truth tellers like...

Mayor Zimmer. Kudos again to Mr. Kornacki for bringing this travesty to light.

[longship]

3. This investigation is going to swallow Christie.

I know... Horrible thought.

[Wawayanda]

4. I don't always quote Chris Matthews, but...

"The fish rots from the head."

Not surprised that this was going on, hopefully this brings my Governor's Administration down!

[eggplant]

8. From Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog...

Penny: I was saying, um, maybe we could get the city to donate the building to our cause. We would be able to provide two hundred-and-fifty new beds, get people off the streets and into job training [Billy looks over his shoulder at the van] so they could buy rocket packs, go to the Moon, become florists.... [Understands that Billy has been ignoring her] You're not really interested in the homeless, are you?
Billy: No, I am, but- It's a symptom. You're treating a symptom, and the disease rages on, consumes the human race. The fish rots from the head, as they say. So my thinking is, why not cut off the head?
Penny: Of the human race?
Billy: It's not a perfect metaphor, but I'm talking about an overhaul of the system. Putting the power in... different hands.
Penny: I'm all for that. This petition is about the building.
Billy: I'd love to sign.

[calimary]

16. You actually don't have to!

First time I heard that one, it was Michael Dukakis speaking, during his illfated campaign against george bush senior in 1988.

And of course he probably heard it from somebody else, too.

[immoderate]

24. I wonder if that's actually true -- of fish.

Do all fish rot from their heads? Why? And what of other creatures? Where do they rot from? Why do they rot differently than fish, and if they don't why are fish singled out?

This quote raises more questions than it answers.

--imm

[loudsue]

42. I'm laughing at that...I've always wondered the same thing!

Some of us are just too curious for our own good!

[Bandit]

39. I wonder where and how that phrase originated, because

it really has no basis in fact..

[lindysalsagal]

5. I hope she's got body guards, and life insurance.

Accidents happen in NJ. I'm just sayin'.

Zimmer for President!

[warrior1]

6. you beat me too it

Dawn just threw down on cc. She did this under oath, ok come on christie your turn.

[sheshe2]

7. Oh Yikes!

This could be a tad awkward!

The dark cloud hanging over the embattled governor will likely extend through this upcoming week. Christie will mark his landslide re-election victory with a lavish, day-long inauguration Tuesday that culminates with a party on Ellis Island.

Go Mayor Zimmer, tell it!

Keep the news coming, ProSense.

[malaise]

14. Ellis island

Isn't that the location of Kerik's prison?

[notadmblnd]

48. I think it was Lawrence O'Donnel last night, who said they were having

trouble selling tickets.

on edit: Aren't they expecting a terrible snow storm in NY?

[freshwest]

9. Journaling daily events with a note to the weather, persons and places is effective. Especially when

confronted with threats or facts that the other parties have an interest in denying.

They no longer record things, or shut recorders off when the truth is going to be uttered, refuse to verify with paper or email. Crooked officials and companies want no record of their words, as they can deny better that way.

One thing that is being taken for granted in all of this that should be allowed off the hook. We are still talking about the opposing corporations and privatization, which is inherently corrupt as far as the public need is considered.

The public pays taxes for services. And for infrastructure. Public workers paid at 'prevailing wages' are the ones who should be doing this work, with none of this 'propriety private information' game.

Giving out these contracts is a form of bribery in that it assures votes from those who benefit by working for the company who got the contract. Their loyalty is not to the public or future generations who will be using such infrastructure.

Oh, it's not as simple as a direct bank payment usually, as Tea Pots do when in office, with their nepotism and such. They act like gangsters. Just because they don't have the movie stereotype of Italian names or don't look like gangs with names like the Crips or Bloods, but wear suits, it's the same racket. Just made a bit more palatable by using some fine legal language.

When the private corporations take the money, if they do a bad job their only punishment is not getting the next contract, a fine, or if really pressed for redress, they file bankruptcy. Then they rename themselves and get another job. It never ends and leaves the taxpayer paying for their greed and bad work, and when that happens, they still don't want to pay taxes.

There are so many ways for them to not pay taxes or do their civic duty to the people, with their status as the big guys, and exemptions waivers, grants, and flat payouts to cover other costs of projects. This is outright plain as day fascism, where groups are more powerful than the electoral process and the voters have no say about how they will be taxed and where that money goes.

The voters will still be stuck with paying higher taxes and getting lesser services nonetheless, just like we do for wars we do not agree with. And the war is being waged on the Commons, and the people say nothing so long as they are thrown some crumbs while the media keeps them busy with diversions or half-truths about what is really going on and how they are being robbed.

Pisses me off. I've seen it upfront and how it's done. Disgusting, all of it.

[loudsue]

43. This is one of the best posts on the subject I've seen since this all started.

You should make this its own thread.

[hrmjustin]

10. I am glad the feds are tacking this seriously.

[NJCher]

12. yep--notice a meeting on a Sunday

No M-F 8-5 for this guy.

Just a thought here, but...

every night when I go to bed I sink into my nice, cozy warm bed and peacefully drift off to sleep.

When I awake, it's a gradual orientation to the world. A little coffee, a little sunlight, and I peacefully come to a realization about what I'll be doing with my day.

But lately when I wake up, I've been chortling a bit, wondering how Chris Christie slept. Even before I"m fully cognizant.

I don't need huge sums of money; I don't need fame; I don't need to be a "player." He must have needed this very bad to risk so much.

And for that he gave up his nights of peaceful sleep.


Cher

[hrmjustin]

15. When I wake up I look to see what broke overnight in the case.

[NJCher]

20. hahah, that's after the chortling session

I admit I am a total addict to this story.


Cher

[hrmjustin]

23. Agree it is addicting.

[Laxman]

21. I'm With You...

as a rule I try not to revel in the troubles of others. However, this is different. This administration stinks and has since day one. They have done extraordinary damage to a state that is not only my home, but that I love. A remarkable place to live. I am enjoying every second of the take down of this thug and his henchmen.

[seattledo]

13. I thought David Letterman already said this is true

Why are we still talking about this like it didn't happen?

[calimary]

19. Welcome to DU, seattledo!

Good to have you with us! We don't need David Letterman to tell us it's true. Just connect the dots. Consider this one, for example. It's a doozy! It'd be worth a DUzy or two, also, if there were anything funny in it. But this is no laughing matter, even though it clearly has involved more than a few bad guys laughing all the way to the bank at taxpayers' expense.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251349067

[malaise]

22. That was a great OP

[ProSense]

28. Yup, which is

why the attempts to minimize the PA/bridge scandal are suspect. The Hoboken incident is very serious, but it only adds to the corrupt profile.

The fact that Samson is a key player in both makes the corrupt landscape created by Christie explosive.

[malaise]

38. +1,000

[questionseverything]

40. silverstein too

will be interesting to see if the feds actually follow the evidence up the chain...they are already late to the investigation since dems in nj have been asking for investigation of sandy funds since the summer

[malaise]

17. If anything happens to anyone

they'll be in way more trouble.

Will Samson resign this week? Who else?
The shit is about to hit the fan.
Where are my chocolates? Delish!!

[Cha]

30. Who needs

chocolates when we have.. crispy hair on fire toast!?





More of the aroma of wafting burnt toast.. http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024354148

[malaise]

36. Bwaaaaaaaaaaaah hahahahha

[Cha]

37. :D

[calimary]

32. Well, I would certainly imagine that if something did, it would be pretty obvious

where to start looking. Just answer the questions about who benefits and where (and to whom) the money trail leads you.

[spanone]

18. i support the mayor!!!! k&r...

[glowing]

25. She was smart going thru Steve kornaki first.

He laid it out in detiled manner the history and then the issue and then the Mayor. No possible spin after that in depth reporting. Now, every interview after is just pounding her points thru. If she had gone on any other program for a 5min program the spin may have been on. Having a 2 hr am program with someone who has covered Jersey politics is supremely helpful.

He's really impressing me; along with Rachel. These two have done insanely impressive reporting. Plus Kornaki has some inroads to people who will talk to him. Good stuff from them!

[ReRe]

27. I think Kornaki...

... got his start in journalism in New Jersey. So he knows all about the Boardwalk Empire nature of the state. He's light years ahead of everyone on this issue. As a matter of fact,
he just might know something very pertinent and is holding it back, or still looking for proof.

[glowing]

33. He actually worked for one of the men who's in the middle of this story.. He worked for some blogger

guy.. I forget which one it is in the story... One of them that has already resigned.

[ReRe]

35. Thanks.

I think I heard Rachel interviewing him. Friday night maybe. The night she told everyone to watch his show yesterday morning as he was going to reveal a big scoop on the Christie story. Told everyone to set their DVRs. Could have been a few days earlier. Anyway, I think he was one of the guys he had on yesterday (Sat AM) or today (Sunday.)

[calimary]

41. That Wildstein guy. The one now saying he'll talk if given immunity.

[Loudly]

26. Inquiry *widens*? You did that on purpose! n/t

[Cha]

29. I love Dawn Zimmer~Mayor of Hoboken, NJ..

Funny ol world, ain't it?

[Gothmog]

31. This investigation is serious

The fact Mayor Zimmer has talked to the US attorney is not good news for Christie

[Coyotl]

34. US attorney inquiry into former Bush USA

[Gothmog]

44. It is a crime to make false statement to US Govt. Employee such as a US Attorney

It is a crime to make a false statement to a federal official including a US Attorney http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully—

(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;
(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or
(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;

shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years or, if the offense involves international or domestic terrorism (as defined in section 2331), imprisoned not more than 8 years, or both. If the matter relates to an offense under chapter 109A, 109B, 110, or 117, or section 1591, then the term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall be not more than 8 years.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a party to a judicial proceeding, or that party’s counsel, for statements, representations, writings or documents submitted by such party or counsel to a judge or magistrate in that proceeding.

(c) With respect to any matter within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch, subsection (a) shall apply only to—

(1) administrative matters, including a claim for payment, a matter related to the procurement of property or services, personnel or employment practices, or support services, or a document required by law, rule, or regulation to be submitted to the Congress or any office or officer within the legislative branch; or

(2) any investigation or review, conducted pursuant to the authority of any committee, subcommittee, commission or office of the Congress, consistent with applicable rules of the House or Senate.

Remember, Scooter Libby was convicted of lying to FBI agents. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/17479718/ns/politics/t/jurors-convict-libby-four-five-charges/

Libby was convicted of one count of obstruction, two counts of perjury and one count of lying to the FBI about how he learned Plame’s identity and whom he told. Prosecutors said he learned about Plame from Cheney and others, discussed her name with reporters and, fearing prosecution, made up a story to make those discussions seem innocuous.

The statements made Mayor Zimmer would carry the same penalty if she is found to have lied to the US Attorney

[davidpdx]

45. Widens like a sinkhole

New Jersey is the new Illinois.

[ProSense]

46. This is worth exploring

Hey Governor Christie -- Check your In-Box
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/21/1271335/-Hey-Governor-Christie-Check-your-In-Box

[ProSense]

47. Private emails, public business / Crackdown needed

Editorial: Private emails, public business / Crackdown needed

When Bridget Anne Kelly, as a deputy chief of staff for Gov. Chris Christie, sent David Wildstein, then an official with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, that now infamous email - "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" - she sent it to [email protected] from [email protected].

Those are not, you may have noticed, government email addresses.

Like far too many public officials today, Kelly and Wildstein were using private email accounts, presumably to avoid open public-records laws.

It didn't turn out quite as they planned. The emails may or may not be recoverable under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act - but they certainly were not beyond the reach of a subpoena from the Assembly Transportation Committee.

- more -

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/private-emails-public-business-crackdown-needed/article_0cb6b795-947e-5877-a14a-f82ddf4dde23.html

[Gothmog]

49. Mayor Zimmer has been asked by US attorney to cease media interviews

The US attorney has asked Mayor Zimmer to cease media interviews. http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2014/01/after_national_media_appearances_zimmer_says_her_lips_are_sealed.html

This is after one appearance on MSNBC last Saturday, when she first aired her claims, and two on CNN, the last one on Monday night. She declined to speak to Fox News.

But her lips are sealed from now on, Zimmer, a Democrat, said in a statement she issued this morning.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office has asked that we not conduct additional media interviews and we are respecting their request,” the statement reads. “I stand by my previous statements and remain willing to testify under oath about all of the facts in this case."

U.S. Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Rebekah Carmichael said her office doesn't publicly discuss whether or not it has had specific meetings or conversations.

This request for a gag order tells me that that US attorney is seriously investigating this issue. You do not want your star witness out giving media interviews that can be used against that witness at trial.