The special counsel for a New Jersey legislative panel investigating a political payback scandal surrounding Gov. Chris Christie’s office says the state probe won’t impede an ongoing federal investigation.

Reid Schar, the lawyer for the joint legislative committee, said he discussed the parallel investigations with officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Friday. Schar said Saturday he’s comfortable the state investigation can continue.

Both entities are looking into traffic lane closings near the George Washington Bridge apparently orchestrated by former top aides for Christie. Four people close to the Republican governor and possible 2016 presidential candidate have resigned or been fired over the scandal.

Subpoenas are due back to the state panel Monday, though committee Chairman John Wisniewski says almost all the subpoena recipients have asked for more time.

(AP)