Chris Christie on Sunday acknowledged what he called an “evolution” on gun laws, an issue that could hurt him with conservative Republican primary voters.
Christie has won a reputation as a moderate Republican as governor of New Jersey. He is working to shed that label as he bids for a strong showing in New Hampshire’s upcoming primary.
“In New Jersey, I have grown up in a culture in our state of very, very vigorous anti-gun laws,” he said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday. As I’ve traveled the country as [Republican Governor’s Association] chairman, as I’ve traveled the country as a governor, I’ve learned a great deal about this.” Christie said.
Christie first ran for office as a supporter of a federal assault weapons ban, a position that is now an anathema to the GOP. In the race he called opponents of the ban radical and dangerous.
He acknowledged Sunday that he altered that stance on assault weapons and the National Rifle Association. He said he has been mostly inactive on gun laws as governor because the state’s Democratic legislature would not back any loosening of New Jersey’s gun laws.
“My actions as governor of New Jersey have been exactly where I think they need to be,” he said. “When these things involve public safety, I’m for public safety. But if there are laws that are just going to make legislators and governors feel better, they shouldn’t be into place and infringe Second Amendment rights.”
Christie declined to say that the stands with the NRA on guns.
“I’m not going to say I stand with anybody, any particular interest group and give them a blank check, he said. “That’s not what leadership is.”
