A New Jersey appeals court is considering a lawsuit by a fired county prosecutor who claims he was the victim of political retribution in 2010, possibly originating from within Gov. Chris Christie�s administration.

Tuesday�s hearing comes as Christie continues to deal with a political payback scandal over lane closings near a bridge to New York. Federal prosecutors and a legislative committee are investigating.

Ben Barlyn (BAHR�-lynn) alleges he was wrongly fired as a Hunterdon County assistant prosecutor after he complained to a superior that a 43-count indictment against three county employees had been dropped for political reasons.

Barlyn claims a member of Christie�s transition team was mentioned in the case, though he wasn�t indicted.

Christie has denied any role in the dismissal.

(AP)