Well this is good news for John McCain, Chris Christie.
“I don’t think the tea party is going to seize upon Fort Lee and the George Washington Bridge as their defining difference for Chris Christie,” Rove said. “In fact, I think his handling of this, being straightforward, taking action, saying I’m responsible, firing the people, probably gives him some street cred with tea party Republicans who say ‘That’s what we-- want in a leader, someone who steps up and takes responsibility.’” mediaite
my bold
So that's the reason for Bridgegate, to gain some Street Cred with the Tea Party, so is it game on for 2016, Christie passed the test. Maybe!