GOP gov. candidate Chris Christie not issued traffic ticket after accident that injured motorcyclist

[DainBramaged]

Adding to Chris Christie's campaign trail headaches over his driving record, officials in Elizabeth confirmed tonight the Republican gubernatorial candidate was in a traffic accident that injured a motorcyclist in the city in 2002.

Christie, then the U.S. attorney, was on his way to the swearing-in of the Union County prosecutor and was not issued a ticket for the July 26, 2002 incident, Police Director James Cosgrove said.

Details about the accident came to light today as Democrats continue to hammer Christie over his driving record and accuse him of misusing his office as a federal prosecutor.

"This was an unfortunate accident and just like a lot of us, Chris knows he can always be a better driver," said Maria Comella, a campaign spokeswoman.

Christie was driving a rented BMW sedan and apparently had lost his way when he attempted to turn right onto a street that was one-way in the other direction, according to the police report. A motorcyclist, Andre Mendonca of Elizabeth, was riding towards Christie, and both men saw one another and put on the brakes, police said. Christie's vehicle came to a stop, and the motorcycle then "fell on its side and slid into his vehicle," according to the police report.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_2.html

We are going to beat this bastard and keep NJ BLUE.


"Since 1985, Christie, 46, has racked up 25 violation points (not all at one time), has been in six accidents and was cited 13 times for moving violations" and he still has his license, is insurable, and also (apparently) has NEVER been to trffic court.

[Ian David]

1. Do a google search on "Michael Dutton Douglas." n/t

[valerief]

2. Christie's gonna be a First Husband someday!!!!

Arggh!!!!!

[PM Martin]

3. Sounds like our Cons.

They use their power to get out of trouble when they do wrong.

Going down a one way street in the opposite direction and causing a life threatening accident is a serious matter.

[DainBramaged]

4. It gets better........Might Be Big Trouble for Christie

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/09/might_be_trouble_for_christie.php#more?ref=fpblg


Earlier today, NJN asked Christie whether the accident had led to a lawsuit. And Christie said, point blank, no.

But a few hours after getting Christie's flat denial, NJN found records of a 2004 suit, which appears to have been later settled out of court.

We're going to keep on this and see what more we can find out. But this looks about as close as you can find to a straight up, caught red-handed lie by Christie.

http://zacharyfink.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/chris-christie-accident/


Enter Andre Mendonca. The motorcyclist was riding down Clinton street ( the right way ) and when he saw Christie in the intersection, the bike fell on its side and slid into Christie’s car, according to the accident report filed by the officer on the scene.

Mendonca was injured and taken by ambulance to the hospital. Not nearby Trinitas, but UMDNJ in Newark which has a trauma center. Reached by telephone this morning, Mendonca said he had no idea his collision was with the man who is now the Republican candidate for Governor. When I started to ask him questions about the accident, he said he “shouldn’t be talking about it.” Mendonca did say that Christie seemed very concerned for his well being and blamed bad signage at the intersection for what happened. Then he hung up on me.

Christie identified himself as the US Attorney to the officer who did not issue Christie a ticket. One Elizabeth official said that the officer then drove Christie to the swearing in ceremony.

News of this accident comes on the heals of an earlier story about Christie being pulled over for speeding in Lambertville ( see earlier posts ).

We asked Christie about the accident in Atlantic City Friday and he was very curt with his answers. NJN South Jersey Bureau Chief Kent St. John asked if there was a lawsuit. Christie said “no” then “nope.”

But actually there was. According to the Superior Court Record Center in Trenton, Mendonca filed suit in 2004. The complaint filed in Essex County was later dismissed, indicating ( according to the Clerk ) an out of court settlement.