New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is caught in the cross fire between whether or not to speak at an Second Amendment rally on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, a move that Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Senator Barbara Buono called upon Christie to decline in a Feb. 5, 2013, release.
On Tuesday in Union Beach, Christie said "I haven’t made any decision,” he said, adding he hasn't seen his schedule yet. He said his Friday schedule is usually made by Wednesday night."
"I don't know. They give it to me one day at a time," he said. "So we'll see if I'm going to be there or not. So I don't know. I haven't made a decision about Friday yet."
Buono, Christie’s challenger for the Governorship, used the opportunity and Christie’s indecision to apply some political pressure and called on Christie to immediately decline the invitation. “When it comes to common sense legislation to safeguard New Jersey families, Governor Christie is talking out of both sides of his mouth. In closed door meetings, he has promised to attend a rally organized by conservative activists whose extreme agenda is out of touch with most New Jerseyans. Yet in public, he refuses to confirm whether he will affirm their right wing agenda with his presence," said Buono.
“By even entertaining this invitation, the Governor is making it clear that he has no intention to take the steps necessary to reduce gun violence. It's time the Governor take on the gun lobbyists who are standing in the way of protecting our children and keeping our streets safe. While President Obama and Governor Cuomo have shown strong leadership on this issue, Governor Christie refuses to do the right thing for New Jersey's families. The governor needs to understand that leaders lead all the time, not just when it serves their political ambition."
Christie needs to make his decision and stick to it, one way or the other. His indecision has left Buono looking good either way. If he declines, it appears that she is forcing his hand; if he goes she uses it against him. It’s a tough issue, the sooner Christie makes a stand the better off he will be. Either way Buono can spin it to her advantage.
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