‘Smart gun’ bill vetoed in New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed legislation requiring New Jersey gun sellers to offer “personalized handguns” once they become available. The weapons, also known as “smart guns,” can only be fired by the owner.

Christie, who is seeking the GOP nomination for president, pocket-vetoed the measure on Tuesday.

The veto comes as Christie seeks to persuade Republican primary voters to support his candidacy and as his on guns has changed over time.

As a candidate for state office two decades ago, he supported a ban on assault weapons, a position at odds with many conservative voters.

Christie now emphasizes that he has vetoed such a ban. He does not mention that he signed other legislation unpopular with conservatives, like a measure barring those on a terror watch list from purchasing firearms.