At the Shore, Christie Touts Sandy Recovery, Avoids 'Bridgegate' Questions
By Pat Loeb
MANAHAWKIN, N.J. (CBS) -- Governor Chris Christie was mum today on the "Bridgegate" controversy at an event in Manahawkin, where he announced that nearly three-quarters of Superstorm Sandy recovery money has been distributed to New Jersey residents.
The governor's appearance in Manahawkin was originally scheduled for last week but was canceled so that he could address the George Washington Bridge incident, in which traffic on the country's busiest bridge was jammed, intentionally, apparently as an act of political retribution ordered by Christie's deputy chief of staff.
Though he made no reference to the controversy this morning, Christie did acknowledge "challenges" that have come his way.
"Whatever tests they put in front of me, I will meet those tests, because I'm doing it on your behalf," he said.
Christie declined to take questions.
In a news release, his office announced that Christie has hired the New York firm of Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher to conduct an internal probe of the bridge closing and help the US attorney's investigation.