Not every Republican in New Jersey's State House is downplaying Bridgegate, or hoping it just goes away.

George Washington Bridge
Andrew Burton, Getty Images
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Assemblyman Michael Carroll (R-Morris Plains) is a member of the joint legislative committee investigating the scandal. He wants every shred of evidence to come to light, and he offered advice to anyone who will be called to testify.

"If you'll excuse the somewhat sexist expression, man up," Carroll said. "Say you're not going to take immunity, come before the powers that be and tell us exactly what happened. If you committed a wrongful act you should say so, especially if you're a public servant. Admit you did wrong and take the consequences."

The controversy stems from the unannounced George Washington Bridge access lane closures in Fort Lee in September that led to massive traffic jams. The scandal continues to dog Gov. Chris Christie's administration. A total of 20 subpoenas have been issued by the joint Senate and Assembly committee, and documents are due Feb. 3. The U.S. Attorney has also issued subpoenas that are due Feb. 5.

One theory is that the lanes were closed to retaliate against the city's Democratic mayor for refusing to endorse Christie's re-election bid. Another theory is the closures are tied to a development project the governor favors.

Should Christie turn over all relevant documents that the committee may ask for?

"Of course," said Carroll, who noted there could be constitutional questions about executive privilege that the supercommittee could address.

"I'd like to see complete and total disclosure of whatever they want, and let the chips fall where they may," Carroll said. "There are like, three witnesses so far, maybe four who have been named as having really crucial information. Let's get them up here next week. We'll ask them the questions we have to ask them."

According to Carroll, those with "crucial" information include Bridget Kelly, the former deputy chief of staff Christie fired earlier this month. They also include Christie's two-time campaign manager and close ally Bill Stepien, and former Port Authority deputy executive director Bill Baroni and second-in-command David Wildstein, who both resigned from the agency after the scandal was revealed.

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