Jeff Smith Tweets the Christie Scandal

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Think Wildstein a distraction now. If he had the goods he’d be giving em up below radar. The ones feeling real heat likely Baroni/Samson.

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Immunity grant Wildstein seeking pie in sky. 5K.1.1 letter in which feds request lenient sentence aftr substantial cooperation more frequent

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

The impt thing about Wildstein letter isn’t anything in it. It’s degree to which it may motivate others to flip while they still have value.

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Once the feds have the dude you were gonna rat out, you’re useless – and your cooperation agreement evaporates. Thus the potential rush here

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Federal targets are like poker players: the weak hands act strong, while the strong hands stay quiet. So Wildstein may be in real trouble here

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Interesting to see Wildstein beg for attn. Feds have likely moved on to others with more/better cards to play on non-Ft Lee issues.

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Big Christie problem now: tenuousness of power position renders notion that he’ll “take care” of allies who eat it increasingly implausible.

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Smart- Legal survival trumps politics MT @lis_Smith “Christie has not taken q’s at a news conference for 21 days.” http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/01/31/nyregion/for-christie-a-governor-under-fire-super-bowl-brings-glee.html?from=nyregion … …

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 2

Bridgegate fed crimes a stretch. No breach of honest services statute post-Conrad Black. W/ WH hopes fading,obstruction for pol reasons nuts

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 3

Silly how pundits write, “just as things were calming down for Christie…” Things were heating up, not calming; most US Attys aren’t sieves

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 3

Pundit silliness #2: suggesting Wildstein’s letter indicates “heating up”. Media confuses letter aimed at them for actual event of import.

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 3

We knew from Day 1 Wildstein itching to sing; his letter impt only insofar as it might goad waverers to sing before their info made redundnt

Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO Feb 3

A snitch can give the Feds every morsel he’s got, but if they already have it or if it’s not on the guy they want, he’ll get zilch for it.