Chris Christie Reportedly Helped His Buddy Jerry Jones Land A Port Authority Contract In 2013

The Chris Christie-Jerry Jones relationship goes well beyond awkward hugs in the owner’s booth. According to the International Business Times, the New Jersey governor “personally pushed the Port Authority to approve a lucrative contract for a firm part-owned by Jerry Jones.”

Which is fine and dandy and all except for the fact that Christie’s trip to Dallas this past weekend was bought and paid for by the Cowboys owner. So that’s a problem.

On March 19, 2013, Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a press release announcing their selection of Legends Hospitality LLC to operate the observation deck on the top floor of One World Trade Center. The next day, the Port Authority board — which is appointed by Christie and Cuomo — specifically cited the governors’ announcement in voting to approve the contract for the company, which is jointly owned by the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees and Checketts Partners Investment Fund.

For what it’s worth, Governor Christie’s people say there’s no ethics violation because Jones is a personal friend and not a political contributor. Whatever the reason, the conversation’s likely to continue as Christie will attend this weekend’s game in Green Bay. He’s the Cowboys’ good luck charm after all.

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