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Chris Christie thinking about 2016 bid, traffic scandal 'a footnote'

Chris Christie told a conference in Washington that after months of investigation 'there hasn't been one suggestion that I knew anything about' orders from staff aides to close access lanes that caused traffic snarls in Fort Lee.

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AP
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie answers questions from Bob Schieffer of CBS News at the 2014 Fiscal Summit organized by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation in Washington, May 14. Lawmakers and policy experts discussed America's long term debt and economic future.
  • By Associated Press

| WASHINGTON

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday that he is thinking about running for president and that by the time 2016 arrives the controversy over last year's George Washington Bridge lane closures "will be a footnote."

Christie told a conference in Washington that after months of investigation "there hasn't been one suggestion that I knew anything about" orders from staff aides to close access lanes that caused traffic snarls in Fort Lee.

When asked by CBS' Bob Schieffer if he's thinking of running for president and when he'll make a decision, Christie said: "Yes, and later."

"As far as the impact on my political future, I think it will have none because I didn't do anything," Christie said.

"I'm not the first chief executive who had someone on their staff do something they didn't know something about," Christiesaid. "I don't think that would hurt anybody's career and it's not going to hurt mine."

Christie also said that he's very good friends with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush but that won't be a factor in deciding whether to run.

You don't like to run against people who are your friends," Christie said. "You like to run against people you don't like. It's easier."

Christie spoke confidently and comfortably at a "fiscal summit" hosted by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, which was created to increase public awareness of the dangers of budget deficits and rising national debt.

Christie said he'll announce a plan next week on what to do about New Jersey's unexpected $800 million budget shortfall. Tax increases are off the table, he said.

Christie was seen as perhaps the top GOP prospect for the 2016 race, but the controversy over the lane closures, which were apparently ordered by a top former aide, has taken a toll on his poll numbers.

But he said that after months of investigation, "there hasn't been one suggestion that I knew anything about it."

Christie also said that if Republicans retake the Senate it could lead to a more productive Washington during President Barack Obama's final two years in office. Obama could make progress on trade negotiating authority, for example.

Christie also spoke of his past support for raising New Jersey's minimum wage in increments but didn't explicitly endorse an increase in the federal minimum wage.

"The problem we have in this country is not income inequality," Christie said. "It's opportunity inequality."

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