Christie: 'I Am Outraged and Deeply Saddened'

Revealing emails and text messages surfaced Wednesday morning that suggest New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's office was in part responsible for closing lanes of the George Washington Bridge in September -- an apparent act of political retribution aimed a Democratic mayor in the state.

 

Christie has repeatedly said the lane closures, which backed up traffic for hours, were part of a traffic study. 

 

The materials released Wednesday clearly contradict that, and Christie revised his message.

 

"What I've seen today for the first time is unacceptable," Christie said in a statement. "I am outraged and deeply saddened to learn that not only was I misled by a member of my staff, but this completely inappropriate and unsanctioned conduct was made without my knowledge. One thing is clear: this type of behavior is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it because the people of New Jersey deserve better." 

 

He added: "This behavior is not representative of me or my Administration in any way, and people will be held responsible for their actions." Christie canceled the one public appearance he had scheduled for the day.

 

"The documents released Wednesday further the perception of what Republicans as well as Democrats in New Jersey have long said about the governor: that he weilds fear and favor to get what he wants, and lashes out at even the smallest perceived slights," Kate Zernike wrote for The New York Times.