Dems Slam Christie For Attending Florida Fundraisers During 'Bridgegate' Scandal

Democrats on Friday ripped Gov. Chris Christie for engaging in political travel while his administration is plagued by the "Bridgegate" Fort Lee lane-closure scandal.

John Currie of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee noted that the governor, in his State-of-the-State address, pledged he would "not allow the work that needs to be done to improve the people’s lives in New Jersey to be delayed." 

"How exactly is that work getting done if he is off fund-raising for the governor of Florida and cultivating a national donor base?" he said.

He said "it is disturbing" that, despite investigations into his administration's September lane-closures at the George Washington Bridge, that Christie "is turning a deaf ear to the outcries of the people of New Jersey, and once again putting his political interests above their needs."

The governor's office did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Currie said New Jersey residents deserve more answers and better assurances that the governor will "weed out the corrupting influences in his office."

"His administration has embarrassed our state, making us the butt of jokes on late night television," he said. "Flying off to Florida for a fund-raiser with another scandal-plagued governor like Rick Scott shows a callous indifference to the mess he helped to create."

"The fact is, the governor has been inconsistent in his demands for accountability, and his efforts to address the failures that led to the Bridgegate scandal have been largely symbolic. For example, why have some of Christie's core team been spared punishment but not others? And, why was it so important for Christie to maintain distance between himself and the two aides that were sent packing?"