Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Christie 'Heartbroken', 'Embarrassed' by Bridge Scandal 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 spoke Thursday for the first time since the release of messages that suggest one of his top aides played a key role in deliberately created traffic jams intended to punish the Democratic mayor of the city of Fort Lee, who did not support Christie for re-election. "I had no knowledge or involvement in this issue, in its planning or its execution. I am stunned by the abject stupidity that was shown here." Christie said he has fired the aide involved for lying to him and asked another advisor involved to leave his team and withdraw from other party endeavors. Christie also 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 says it is impossible to know what every person in his staff is doing every minute, but he takes responsibility for the scandal. "Ultimately, I am responsible for what happens under my watch, the good and the bad. And when mistakes are made, then I have to own up to them and take the action that I believe is necessary in order to remediate them." Christie says he is meeting with members of his staff to see if additional actions should be taken. 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. __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/christie-heartbroken-embarrassed-by-b ridge-scandal/1826646.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/christie-heartbroken-embarrassed-by-bridge-scandal/1826646.html