Former Christie confidante dropped from bridge lawsuit

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s former campaign manager has been dropped as a defendant from a civil lawsuit over politically motivated traffic jams near the George Washington Bridge.

As part of a new version of the suit filed last week, the parties agreed not to include Bill Stepien.

In early 2014, Stepien was in line to become chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee and was doing work for the Republican Governors Association, which Christie was heading.

After the scandal broadened, Christie cut ties with Stepien, saying he had lost confidence in the political adviser’s judgment.

Stepien has not been charged with any crimes and a report commissioned by Christie did not find he was involved in the 2013 lane closures in Fort Lee.