Gov. Christie Announces Samson PA Resignation [VIDEO]

Gov. Chris Christie has announced the resignation of David Samson as chairman of the Port Authority. He did so at the start of a news conference at the Statehouse this afternoon, his first since a marathon session Jan. 9 to address the unfolding Bridgegate scandal.

The news conference follows the Thursday release of a report, commissioned by his office, which clears him of any personal involvement in the controversial lane-closings at the George Washington Bridge last September.

The governor opened by referring to the report: "it's an exhaustive report," he said. "I told them to find the truth, no matter where it led. . . and to let me know what the truth was. . .  I'm fully embracing reforms as it pertains to my office. . . we owe that to the people of New Jersey and that's what I intend to deliver."

Christie also announced the resignation of Port Authority chairman Sampson and said he agreed with the recommendation for change at the Port Authority, including "dismantling" the two-state operation with New York and united administration.

Christie said he discussed the Bridgegate matter with Samson on Jan. 8 and was told the PA chairman knew nothing about the lane closings. The governor said Samson first raised the possibility of resignation during his re-election campaign last fall.  "He's 74 years old and he's tired. That's what he told me.

Watch the news conference live here.

Video courtesy NJTV

Christie has granted scant access to the media since Jan. 9, with the notable exception of three appearances on the Townsquare Radio Network's "As the Governor" -- the most recent Wednesday night.

He appears to be using the release Thursday of an internal report clearing him of involvement in Bridgegate to raise his profile in the national spotlight. He did a one-on-one interview in his home with ABC's Diane Sawyer on Thursday night and will appear on "The Kelly File" with Megyn Kelly on Fox News Channel on Friday night.

This weekend, the New Jersey governor will be in Las Vegas at the Venetian resort of 80-year-old GOP super donor Sheldon Adelson who has invited potential candidates to make their pitch to him to win his financial support for a 2016 presidential run. It's a private event except for a question-and-answer session that Christie, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Ohio Gov. John Kasich will participate.

Adelson and his wife donated more than $90 million to candidates and political groups in 2012, although his total political donations may never be quantified publicly because various politically active groups that operate as nonprofit organizations don't have to report the sources of their funds. He supported Newt Gingrich in 2012 and then shifted to Mitt Romney when the former House speaker dropped out. Also attending: former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former Vice President Dick Cheney, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).

Associated Press contributed to this report.