GOP: Corzine Tactics Led to Resignation in U.S. Attorney's Office

Aug. 26, 2009 -- Republicans say New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine's negative campaign tactics led to the resignation of the second-in-command at the U.S. Attorney's office.

Michele Brown stepped down Tuesday after a barrage of headlines over a $46,000 mortgage loan she accepted from Chris Christie when he was her boss.

Christie, who is challenging Corzine for New Jersey governor, did not disclose the loan on mandatory ethics forms or report it on his federal income taxes. She continues to repay him $500 a month.

Sen. Diane Allen, R-Burlington, says Corzine's dirty campaigning brought an abrupt end to Brown's 18-year tenure.

Corzine says his campaign did not raise the issue of the loan, but he remains concerned about politics inside the U.S. Attorney's office.