After more than a week and three days of cross examination, the state’s star witness in the Bridgegate trial finally finished his testimony. And NJTV News Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron was back in federal court, where cameras are not allowed. But he is.
Aron: It’s Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni who are on trial.
This morning, federal prosecutor Lee Cortes got David Wildstein to say that from Saturday, Sept. 7 of 2013 through Tuesday, Sept. 10, they were the only people he spoke to about the lane realignment at the GWB.
Cortes: “Each and every day during the lane closures, did you speak to Bridget Kelly?”
Wildstein: “Yes.”
Cortes: “Each and every day, did you speak to Bill Baroni?”
Wildstein: “Yes.”
Cortes: “Did you speak to Mr. Stepien?”
Wildstein: “No.”
Cortes: “Did you speak to Mr. Drewniak?”
Wildstein: “No.”
Cortes: “Did you speak to Mr. DuHaime?”
Wildstein: “No.”
Cortes: “Did you speak to the governor?”
Wildstein: “No.”
After that, Kelly’s attorney, on re-cross examination, asked Wildstein, who has already pleaded guilty, why he told a particular lie as the cover story about a traffic study was unravelling.
Wildstein: “I was not in a good place. It was an error in judgment.”
Michael Critchley: “And someday soon you’re going to be in a not good place again.”
Wildstein: “I am?”
Critchley: “Your sentencing day… And you wouldn’t lie to put yourself in a good place on sentencing day?”
Wildstein: “Sir, my cooperation agreement requires me to tell the truth.”
Critchley: “So it’s your word against Bridget Kelly’s word.”
After Wildstein was excused, the government called Chris Stark, a young staffer under Bridget Kelly in the governor’s office at the time.
Stark testified as to how focused his unit was on getting Democratic endorsements for Gov. Christie’s re-election.
Critchley asked him, “Do you recall telling people that Bridget Kelly did not have the capability of closing the lanes herself?”
Stark: “In my opinion, no.”
Which we interpreted as meaning she did not.
But then on redirect, prosecutor Vikas Khanna asked, “Why wouldn’t she have the capability?”
Stark: “Because she didn’t work at the Port Authority.”
Khanna: “What’s your opinion if she could work with someone at the Port Authority,” implying Baroni.
Stark: “She could.”
Stark testified about a profanity-laced exchange between Gov. Christie and Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley that Curley has confirmed for us took place a few days after Hurricane Sandy. It’s way too profane for television, but it’s colorful.
Testimony continues tomorrow.