Buono Statement On Christie's Fundraiser With Ashbritt Lobbyist

Today, the Star-Ledger reported that Chris Christie will be holding a fundraiser at the Virginia estate of AshBritt Inc. chief lobbyist Ed Rogers. Mr. Rogers is the head of the lobbying firm founded by Haley Barbour, who initially suggested AshBritt Inc. to clean up debris in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. There are simply too many questions about how AshBritt Inc., the most expensive contractor, received its contract, particularly now that its lobbyist Ed Rogers is raising money for the Governor. Gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono said:

"With each passing day, Governor Christie continues to add more questions about how and why a politically connected, out-of-state firm was awarded a contract worth as much as $100 million. Now, the Governor is going to hold a fundraiser in Virginia with the chief lobbyist for AshBritt Inc. and a major activist in the national Republican party. It's clear that we need more transparency and accountability in this process, and as a vice chair of the legislative oversight committee, I will fight to get to the bottom of this to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars for the rebuilding of New Jersey,” said Buono.