Ex-Christie aide ‘dumbfounded’ by traffic plot

    A former aide to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he is “dumbfounded and disappointed” that a few rogue Christie loyalists shut down traffic in a political payback plot.

    The former aide, Matt Mowers, is testifying before New Jersey lawmakers investigating the scandal that’s engulfed Christie’s administration.

    He says he wasn’t involved in the plot.

    Mowers worked in Christie’s office and on last year’s re-election campaign. He is now the executive director of New Hampshire’s Republican Party.

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    The legislative committee is trying to determine who ordered traffic lanes blocked in September and why.

    The governor has repeatedly denied any knowledge in the plot’s planning or execution, but the scandal has raised questions about Christie’s viability as a 2016 presidential candidate.

    He fired one aide and forced other appointees out.

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