TRENTON — Two key figures in a political-payback scandal ensnaring Gov. Chris Christie’s administration reiterated Tuesday to New Jersey legislative investigators that they will not turn over requested documents.
Lawyers for former Christie campaign manager Bill Stepien and fired aide Bridget Anne Kelly said in letters to lawmakers that their clients would not cooperate.
Legislators investigating the blocking of traffic lanes near the George Washington Bridge had given the pair until Tuesday to turn over documents after they both originally refused to do so.
Their request that the subpoenas be withdrawn was rejected by state lawmakers, and the new deadline set.
The panel is seeking to learn how from high up in the chain of command came the order to block traffic.
Some believe it was to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee
for not endorsing Christie’s Âre-election bid.
The US Attorney’s Office is conducting a parallel criminal investigation.
Federal officials also are investigating an allegation that the Christie administration tied the receipt of a town’s Hurricane Sandy relief funds to its mayor’s support for a redevelopment project.
The Christie administration has denied the charges.