NJ Dems can’t muster override of Christie veto on post-Bridgegate changes

Democrats who control the New Jersey Senate have failed to get enough support from Republicans to override Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of legislation requiring more transparency and accountability at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey following the Bridgegate lane-closing scandal.

The override attempt fell two votes short of succeeding with only one Republican senator supporting it.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean says the bill is a dated piece of legislation that’s also stalled in New York.

“Govs. Cuomo and Christie have announced better ways to do things,” he said. “The Legislature has seen very clearly that there are inefficiencies in the original bill.”

Kean, R-Union, is proposing an alternative Port Authority reform measure.

Sen. Bob Gordon, the primary sponsor of the bill Christie vetoed, said if Republicans really wanted changes, they would have voted for an override.

“Unfortunately their votes are driven by politics, and I’m sure there are concerns about retribution from the governor,” said Gordon, D-Bergen.

Senator Mike Doherty was the only Republican who joined with his Democratic colleagues in voting for the override.

“I supported it the first time. It’s the exact same bill. I’m supporting it again. My boss is my constituents,” he said. “I think it’s a vote they’ll support.”

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg said lawmakers will move on in trying to get reforms at the Port Authority.

“I know we are going to find a way to get strong accountability and transparency in a bureaucracy that has run amok,” she said.

The Democrats have never succeeded in overturning a Christie veto.