NBC News: Legislators Weigh Christie Impeachment

New Jersey lawmakers are considering whether to bring articles of impeachment against Gov. Chris Christie in connection with Bridgegate, according to a report by NBC 4 New York.

The report filed by Brian Thompson cites sources, including one committee chairman, who say chances are "50-50" the state assembly will pursue impeachment against the governor.

The news comes amid a Bridgegate trial in which prosecutors allege Christie was well aware of the plot to close lanes on the George Washington Bridge in 2013.

On Monday, during the opening arguments, prosecutors asserted Christie knew all about the political payback scheme. The closings were intended to punish the Fort Lee mayor for declining to support his 2013 re-election bid, prosecutors said.

Monday's revelations were the first time Christie, who has repeatedly denied being involved in the scheme, has been accused by law enforcement officers of knowing about Bridgegate as it unfolded.

The Star Ledger has called for Christie's impeachment if he in fact was aware of the scheme and attempted to cover up his knowledge. "If evidence shows that Christie knew about the lane closures, the state legislature should consider charges of impeachment," an editorial published Thursday in the Star Ledger says.

The trial involving two alleged Bridgegate conspirators who were indicted in connection with the scandal began Monday, and it's supposed to last as long as a month.

Bridget Anne Kelly, the governor’s former deputy chief of staff, and Bill Baroni, the top Christie executive appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, have been indicted in connection with the scheme.

David Wildstein, the Christie-appointed Port Authority official also behind Bridgegate, has pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy.

Long-time Christie confidant David Samson, who some believed had a role in the Bridgegate scheme but was never charged for it, pleaded guilty in July to demanding a bribe while he was chairman of the Port Authority.

Christie recently told NBC that he believes the scandal impacted his chances of becoming Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate. Christie also made a failed attempt at running for president earlier this year.

Patch file photo