(Bloomberg) -- Former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine's office got U2 and Bruce Springsteen seats the public couldn't buy last year, at the same time the state was suing brokers over ticketing practices, according to documents showing 22 elected officials received special treatment.That's because they're important. And we're not.
The Boss knew who was boss ...
Corzine's office reserved 57 tickets for U2, Springsteen and the Jonas Brothers at Giants Stadium and IZOD Center from July to October 2009 through the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, agency records show. The documents, evidence in a state lawsuit against ticket Web sites, indicate more than 350 seats for 15 concerts were set aside for elected officials.
Officials got a jump on some of the season's hottest shows by obtaining seats through the state agency, which operates the two venues. At the same time, New Jersey was suing online brokers over marketing tactics including taking orders before tickets are on sale. Tapping the agency for tickets may violate ethics rules that bar officials from taking "unwarranted privileges," the head of the state ethics commission said.
"The means by which the tickets are secured has everything to do with undue access and using official position to secure an unfair advantage," said Paula Franzese, chairwoman of the state Ethics Commission. "I would like to see an investigation."
The documents were provided to Bloomberg News by a person with knowledge of the state lawsuit. The individual declined to be identified because the case is pending. The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority, the state agency that runs Giants Stadium and IZOD Center, confirmed their authenticity.