The New Jersey Assembly failed to override Gov. Chris Christie's veto of a relatively minor gun bill that had passed both houses of the legislature unanimously earlier this year.

The bill would have required police to be notified before prospective gun buyers who had a history of mental illness sought to expunge their health records. 

Christie vetoed the bill in August, and sent his own proposal to the legislature that he said offered more comprehensive changes to the mental health system.

Republicans said the original bill contains significant loopholes and said that Democratic leadership was more concerned with hurting Christie by putting an end to his record of never having his vetoes overturned by the legislature.

"This is not about getting a notch on your belt to override the governor's veto," said Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R). "This is certainly not the bill to do that on. This is a very serious issue!"

But Democrats criticized their GOP counterparts for once again switching course and reversing their vote on a bill after the governor vetoed the measure.

"We all think it's the best thing. [Then] we send it up to the Executive Branch," said Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D). "One person decides that it's no good....Then we don't do it? Absolutely not. That's not democracy."

Prieto said he'll continue to hold votes on overriding Christie's veto until the legislative session ends in January. The next override vote will be held on Dec. 17.