New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he supports the National Rifle Association's defense of the Second Amendment, but adds in an interview with "Face the Nation" that he doesn't give the NRA — or any other group — a "blank check."
Host John Dickerson pressed the Republican presidential candidate on his support of the NRA because he has expressed support for gun control in the past, telling The Star-Ledger in 1993 the gun control issue "energized" him, Talking Points Memo reported.
In the recent past Christie has praised New Jersey's gun control laws – among the toughest in the nation.
He has also chastised the NRA – and previously received one of its lowest ratings as a sitting governor.
Christie claims his views on the issue have changed.
As he has risen in New Hampshire polls, Christie has come sharp criticism from fellow Republicans for an often liberal record as New Jersey governor.
"When it comes to Chris Christie, he got into politics as a supporter of gun control, that's why he ran," Rubio told Fox News earlier. "He made a personal contribution to Planned Parenthood. He has attacked Republicans that oppose Common Core. That's not what we need in our next president."
"Would you say you stand with the NRA?" Dickerson then asked.
"I stand with anybody who believes in protecting the Second Amendment and protecting public safety," Christie said. "And whether it's the NRA or other organizations like the New Jersey Pistol Club, or others, I stand with organizations who want to make sense between public safety and our Second Amendment rights. And I think they do."
Christie said he is fine with talking about specific issues the NRA deals with, but not with the organization as a whole.
"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."
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