New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono has gone on the offensive questioning incumbent Governor Chris Christie in a stinging statement today Jan.17, 2013, where she questions Christie’s leadership in the gun control debate.
Buono, the first woman democrat to run for New Jersey’s top spot has also picked up another endorsement, this one from Assemblyman Dan Benson. Her candidacy is starting to pick up some momentum as democratic party bosses try to field another candidate. It’s widely known in Trenton’s political circles that there is no love lost between Buono and Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) who is rumored to be considering running but matches up behind Buono in a head to head match with Christie. Former Governor and current Senator Richard Codey is also exploring his options to run against Buono, but he also matches up poorly against Christie.
In questioning Christie's leadership Buono stated, “yesterday, while Governor Christie was proudly touting the fact that he was doing his 100 town hall meeting, he was also remaining conspicuously absent in the ongoing fight to curb gun violence. Leaders like President Obama and Governor Cuomo have identified gun control as a top priority and have wasted no time in jumping to the forefront in the fight to keep our streets safe.”
“But, here in New Jersey, Governor Christie continues to turn a blind eye. Even after these historic efforts by President Obama and Governor Cuomo, Governor Christie continues to provide zero leadership on this issue. Governor Christie remains more concerned with promoting his “you tube” videos and his choreographed stage shows than he does with the issue of gun violence. This governor would have us believe that removing a video game from his home and expressing a willingness to ‘have that conversation’ on the issue as he does the national talk show circuit is the same as exhibiting leadership. It is not.”
Buono didn’t stop there, further stating “the Governor has long been on the wrong side of this issue. As far back as 1995 he called for a ban on assault weapons, but today he sits idly by and watches as leaders lead. In recent years, he has said New Jersey’s laws are tough enough and only need stricter enforcement, but as U.S. Attorney he ranked 80 out of 93 U.S. Attorneys in gun prosecutions.”
“Leaders lead. Governor Christie needs to be willing to fight for New Jersey families and against the GOP right wing special interests he is trying so hard to appease” Buono added.
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