The Trial Over Bridgegate -- The Perfect New Jersey Political Scandal -- Begins Today

The specter of the New Jersey governor looms large in this criminal trial.

 (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

The defendants abused their powers. They chose personal and political revenge over the safety of the people of Fort Lee.

— Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna, in his opening statement in the trial of former Chris Christie deputy chief of staff Bridget Ann Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority Bill Baroni. The defendants face nine counts of conspiracy, fraud, and related charges stemming from allegedly closing lanes on the George Washington Bridge in an act of political retaliation against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing Christie. Though the governor is not on trial, his presence, and the question of what he knew, was felt in the courtroom today.

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