Chris Christie: No need for special prosecutor on Donald Trump, Russia

Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said a special prosecutor isn’t needed to investigate alleged Russian meddling in the presidential election.

Speaking Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Christie said the Justice Department has shown its ability to investigate such matters. The Republican said that when a special prosecutor gets involved, things get “completely out of control.”

The possibility of appointing a special prosecutor was raised Friday by California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, who said a political appointee shouldn’t perform the investigation.

JAKE TAPPER: Do you agree with Darrell Issa that a special prosecutor is needed?

CHRISTIE: No.

TAPPER: Why not?

CHRISTIE: No, I don’t, because the Justice Department, over the course of time, has shown itself, with the professionals that are there, to have the ability to investigate these type of things.

I just think, Jake, — and this is whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. We’ve seen it happen on both sides. When a special prosecutor gets involved, the thing gets completely out of control.

And I think that doesn’t serve anybody’s purposes. We have a lot of important problems to deal with in this country. And this is — I’m not saying that is not one of them, but I believe the Justice Department can handle it.

Christie also showed no sympathy for congressional Republicans who won’t hold town hall meetings because they fear they could become rowdy.

Noting that the GOP controls the White House, both houses of Congress and most governorships, Christie said the “heat is on the Republicans” to produce results.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.