Christie: 'Mistakes Were Clearly Made'

He opens state-of-the-state address with acknowledgement of bridge scandal

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2014 2:51 PM CST

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Christie: 'Mistakes Were Clearly Made' — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers his annual address Tuesday at the Statehouse in Trenton. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

It is generally not a good thing when a governor has to begin his annual state-of-the-state address with a promise to "cooperate with all appropriate inquiries." But such is the case in New Jersey, where Chris Christie addressed Bridgegate right off the bat this afternoon, reports CNN. The Star-Ledger has the full text of the speech, but here are some relevant quotes:

"The last week has certainly tested this administration. Mistakes were clearly made. And as a result, we let down the people we are entrusted to serve. I know our citizens deserve better. Much better."
"I am the governor and I am ultimately responsible for all that happens on my watch—both good and bad."
"Without a doubt we will cooperate with all appropriate inquiries to ensure this breach of trust does not happen again."
"What has occurred does not define us or our state."

(Read more New Jersey stories.)