Reality Slaps Chris Christie in The Face as Feds Convene Grand Jury

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Chris Christie and the Republicans have been desperately trying to wish the George Washington Bridge scandal away. However, despite their efforts to minimize the scandal and to deride their political opponents, the scandal is not going away. Today should serve as a reality check to Governor Christie, as ABC News reports that a U.S. Attorney in New Jersey has convened a grand jury to investigate the involvement of Governor Chris Christie’s office in the George Washington Bridge scandal. This signals that the investigation has moved from a mere inquiry into the criminal phase, meaning that criminal indictments could be forthcoming in the near future.

The grand jury will have the authority to indict, subpoena, and interview witnesses as they probe the scope and the motives of the Chris Christie administration surrounding the politically motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. The grand jury could indict Chris Christie or other government officials if they determine that crimes were committed.

Governor Christie is hoping that the scandal will blow over so that he can go back to work without being dogged by questions about Bridgegate, but with federal attorneys convening a grand jury, the New Jersey Governor should be more concerned about facing criminal charges than about fielding annoying questions from the press.

Chris Christie was once considered the probable GOP front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. His blunt style and supposedly moderate politics made him a Beltway media favorite and an attractive candidate for Republicans interested in retaking the White House in 2016. However, Christie’s bullying tactics and political vindictiveness have all but destroyed his odds of becoming the GOP nominee in 2016, much less winning the presidency. The Governor’s hubris may have lead him to authorize the lane closures that now seem destined to undo his presidential ambitions. As Chris Christie’s hopes for higher office continue to unravel, the only question that remains is whether he and his top officials will be able to avoid criminal convictions when the grand jury has completed its investigation.

Keith Brekhus

Keith Brekhus is a progressive American who currently resides in Red Lodge, Montana. He is co-host for the Liberal Fix radio show. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Missouri. In 2002, he ran for Congress as a Green Party candidate in the state of Missouri. In 2014, he worked as a field organizer for Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick’s successful re-election bid in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. He can be followed on Twitter @keithbrekhus or on Facebook.