Judge rules on evidence in upcoming bridge lane-closing case

A federal judge has ruled on what evidence can be heard in the upcoming George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial of two former allies of New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

Prosecutors can offer testimony to show the defendants allegedly punished another Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Christie's re-election in 2013.

The government wants to show it was similar to how the defendants treated the mayor of Fort Lee by causing traffic jams at the bridge.

Prosecutors also can introduce a video of defendant Bill Baroni's testimony before a state legislative committee in which he claimed the lane closures were part of a traffic study.

The judge denied a motion by Baroni's attorney to delay opening statements, currently set for Sept. 19, based on new evidence he says he has received.