Democratic gubernatorial challenger state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-18) used New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State Address as a jumping off point to criticize Gov. Chris Christie for failing to talk about the issue of gun control in his own Statehouse oratory yesterday.

"Gov. Cuomo demonstrated the ability to focus on New York's recovery from Hurricane Sandy while also working to create jobs for middle class families and fighting to take guns off the streets," Buono said.

On the Today Show this morning, Christie said he wanted to have a "conversation" about gun control, but refused to offer any policy hard points on the subject.

Buono bristled.

"Today, I am calling on Governor Christie to join the fight for gun control and take a stand against those same right wing Republican interest groups that would help him pursue his national ambitions," said the gubernatorial candidate. "The destructive influence of gun violence continues to impact all New Jerseyans and we are long past due to confront the problem."