Ready, Aim . . .

In the nine months since Republicans gained control of both houses of the New Jersey legislature, they have held open season on the laws passed by their Democratic predecessors under the leadership of Governor Jim Florio. Among the latest to fall was a Florio centerpiece: the nation's toughest restrictions on military-style assault weapons. By margins that may be veto-proof, the lawmakers lifted the ban on the sale and possession of dozens of dangerous rapid-fire guns -- though not, even in their zeal, on the notorious Uzis and AK-47s.

The Republicans, whose electoral victory was aided by strong financial support from the National Rifle Association and its state affiliate, called the repeal an "anticrime" measure because it included increased penalties for some gun offenses. It amounts to nothing more than "a bald attempt" to fool the people, retorted an angry Florio, who intends to take the issue to the people in a referendum campaign if his veto does not stick.