Christie having tough time at home - and nationally

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- It's been a tough week for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

He is still toward the bottom of the polls as he continues his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination - while also being handed a stunning defeat by the state's legislature.

Rider University political analyst Ben Dworkin says the New Jersey Senate's ability to finally override one of Gov. Christie's vetoes shows a weakness in his home state.

"It's significant, it's momentous, and it might lead to a whole bunch more," Dworkin said.

Christie has been campaigning almost non-stop in Iowa and New Hampshire. Dworkin says it was bound to happen eventually.

"Even if he wasn't out of state a lot running for president, he's still a lame duck, second term governor in the final two years of office," said Dworkin.

Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney of Gloucester County says Christie was just trying to win points when he vetoed a bill that requires anyone who's spent time in a mental health facility - and wants a gun - to notify police before trying to expunge their mental health records.

The bill was passed unanimously by both houses.

"It's extremely significant because the governor is running around the country saying 'I control things,' and I think he's pretty much insulted his members more than he should have," said New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney. "Obviously he doesn't because on this issue they said enough."

In the most recent Quinnipiac poll out of Iowa, Gov. Christie is winning just 1% of likely caucus voters.