(AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate ChrisChristie says if he wins next month, he'll do all he can to blockthe state from allowing gay marriage.

Lawmakers have said they expect the issue to be brought upshortly after the Nov. 3 election. Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine sayshe would sign a law making New Jersey one of a handful of states torecognize same-sex marriage.

In a Friday interview with The Associated Press, Christie sayshe supports civil unions, which offer the legal benefits but notthe name of marriage, for same-sex couples. Civil unions have beenoffered since 2007.

Should lawmakers pass a gay marriage bill, he would supportamending the state constitution to ban it.