Rand Paul slams Chris Christie for NRA comments

Rand Paul vs. Chris Christie in a 2016 Republican presidential primary? Paul, a Tea Party favorite, apparently is ready to throw down right now.

The Kentucky senator blasted the New Jersey governor in remarks Friday on Laura Ingraham's radio show, slamming Christie's criticisms of the NRA, fellow Republicans, and his persistent call for Superstorm Sandy aid.

Christie on Thursday ripped an NRA ad that mentions President Obama's daughters, saying it was "reprehensible." It was just the latest from the blunt-speaking governor, who also lit into House Speaker John Boehner this month for delaying a vote on disaster aid. For starters, Paul said Christie's NRA comments are an indication that he is "backing down" on the rights of gun owners, according to a blog post by Ingraham's staff.

The senator has admitted he is "interested" in a White House bid in 2016, and Christie is frequently mentioned as a possible presidential contender. Paul said Christie's comments could be a factor in a Republican primary.

"I think criticizing the Second Amendment movement and the over-the-top, 'give me my money' stuff, 'I want all sixty billion now or I'll throw a tantrum,' I don't think that's going to play well in the Republican primary," Paul said on Ingraham's show.