VOA标准英语2014--New Jersey Gov. Christie Apologizes for Bridge Scandal 美国新泽西州州长为“堵桥门”政治丑闻道歉（在线收听）

New Jersey Gov. Christie Apologizes for Bridge Scandal 美国新泽西州州长为“堵桥门”政治丑闻道歉

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a top Republican contender for the 2016 presidential election, says he is "embarrassed" and "heartbroken" by the conduct of some of his staff.

Christie held a news conference Thursday to say he didn't know about the alleged misconduct of close associates engaged in a politically motivated scandal involving partial closure of the George Washington Bridge, one of the busiest spans in the United States.

A contrite Christie apologized for the closures and said that he fired subordinates who lied to him.

“I am embarrassed and humiliated by the conduct of some of the people on my team," said Christie, a possible Republican presidential candidate. "There is no doubt in my mind that the conduct that they exhibited is completely unacceptable and showed a lack of respect for the appropriate role of government and for the people that we’re trusted to serve.”

For four days in September, abrupt and unexpected lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, which links New Jersey to New York City and carries some 300,000 vehicles on a typical day, brought traffic to a standstill.

At Thursday's press conference, the governor denied charges he or his team ordered the closures to punish Mayor Mark Sokolich of Fort Lee, New Jersey, for refusing to support Christie's bid for reelection.

But recently released e-mails from one of the governor’s aides confirmed his team’s involvement. Christie said that he did not know of his subordinates' involvement but that takes responsibility for those who authorized the closure of traffic lanes.

Christie vowed to go to Fort Lee to personally apologize to the mayor and the people affected by the traffic jams around the George Washington Bridge.

He announced that he has fired one aide, withdrawn support for his former campaign manager to become the state's Republican Party chairman. He also defended himself against charges that he is a bully who uses his power for political revenge.

“Folks who have worked with me over a long period of time would, I believe, tell you that I am tough, but I have shown over the last four years [that] the tone we’ve set here [is] that I’m willing to compromise, that I’m willing to work with others,” he said.

Governor Christie said he will cooperate with a State Assembly investigation into the bridge scandal and will conduct his own internal review.

Experts say the damage from these emails undermine his efforts to appear tough without looking like a bully. The politician has not shied away from loud confrontations in the political arena.