New Jersey lawmakers again fall short on overriding Gov. Christie's veto of gun bill

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Thursday, December 3, 2015
Republican presidential candidate, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a news conference, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa.
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TRENTON, N.J. -- The Democratic-controlled New Jersey Assembly is postponing a vote on overriding Gov. Chris Christie's veto over legislation dealing with guns and mental illness.

The Assembly vote was suspended on Thursday, after falling short of the support needed to rebuke the Republican governor, who is running for the GOP presidential nomination.

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto indicated lawmakers would try again.

The Democratic Legislature's failure sustains Christie's blemish-free streak on overrides, something he has touted on the campaign trail.

The bill required potential gun buyers seeking to clear a mental health record to first notify law enforcement officials of their petition.

Democrats say Christie vetoed the bill because he wants to appease conservative Republican primary voters in other states, particularly in New Hampshire, where he's pinned his hopes for his presidential campaign.