After ‘Bridgegate’ convictions, top GOP lawmaker opposes more investigation of lane closings

The Democrats who chaired the New Jersey Legislature’s investigation of the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge want to restart their investigation, but the Assembly’s top Republican said enough is enough.

Resuming those hearings would take lawmakers’ focus away from other issues, said Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Union.

“If there is some clear cut evidence of wrongdoing, I can guarantee you that the U.S. attorney would be following up on that,” he said Monday. “But for us now to continue down that path, based on all the time and energy that’s already been put into that, I think it’s a poor use of the time of government.”

Bramnick has urged legislative leaders to spend the next year focusing instead on policy and hearings on funding the pension system, changing the school funding formula, and campaign finance reform.

“We’ve had a jury verdict and it’s time to refocus on policy, and I’m saying there’s a place for investigations but it should not replace the work of this Legislature.

Last week, a jury convicted former Christie aide Bridget Kelly and former Port Authority executive Bill Baroni of all counts in connection with scheming to close lanes at the George Washington Bridge in a case of political payback in 2013.