UPDATE: Christie Adresses 'Bridgegate' During Middlesex County Town Hall

By Tom Davis

Governor Christie, perhaps for the first time, addressed the "Bridgegate" scandal during a town hall meeting in South River - indirectly.

Christie addressed a question regarding reports about a possible corruption investigation in Newark.

Christie was asked why the state Legislature hasn't looked into Newark with the same zeal it has with other investigations.

"Obviously Assemblyman [John] Wisniewski has decided to spend his time on other things," he said "Whatever Assemblyman Wisniewski decides to spend his time on, as you've seen, is completely up to him."

Wisniewski, D-Parlin, has headed up the legislative committees investigating the Christie administration's role in a political payback scheme involving the closing of George Washington Bridge lanes last fall.

State Sens. Sam Thompson, R-Middlesex, and Ron Rice, D-Essex, have jointly called for the New Jersey Legislative Select Committee on Investigation to open an inquiry into alleged government abuses of power and cover-ups in Newark under former mayor and now U.S. Sen. Cory Booker.Bill Miller of Old Bridge, who asked governor about Newark during the town hall, said he was satisfied that the governor responded that his administration will likely look into the Newark matter - even if Christie can't speak specifically about a possible ongoing investigation.

Miller did say he believes Christie when he says he had no involvement in the bridge lane closure scandal.

"If I hear that Governor Christie is guilty of that, then I will turn my back on him," he said.