came as news reporters began to ask questions about the lane closures, which gridlocked the town of Fort Lee for four days.

"My understanding was that (Republican) Gov. Christie and (Democratic) Gov. Cuomo had discussed this," Wildstein said under cross-examination Tuesday, according to The Record, adding he was told the information by Samson. "My understanding at the time was that it would put an end to this issue."

Cuomo spokesman John Kelly, who isn't related to Bridget Kelly, denied the conversation between governors took place and criticized Wildstein as a "felon spinning a tale."

"It's just false and delusional," Kelly said.

New York Republicans pounced on the allegation. Cuomo's unsuccessful 2014 GOP challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, said it warrants the resignation of both Cuomo and Christie. State Republican Party ChairmanEd Cox noted that former top Cuomo aide Joe Percoco currently faces federal charges stemming from an unrelated investigation into alleged bid-rigging and bribery. Percoco's attorney has said his client is innocent.

"Today's key eyewitness testimony that implicates Gov. Cuomo in the coverup of Bridgegate is another example of his political thuggery at the expense of New Yorkers," Cox said in a statement.

Messages left with Christie's office Tuesday weren't immediately returned. Christie has not been charged and has said he did not authorize the closures or play a role in covering them up.

"Foye never had any such conversation or was given any such direction by the governor or by any of his staff," he told The Associated Press.

A message left with Samson's attorney hasn't been returned. Samson pleaded guilty