BELMAR, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he still loves state Senate President Steve Sweeney despite his assertion that Superstorm Sandy provides political cover for Christie’s failed economic policies.

Speaking Wednesday at a ceremony to mark the start of Belmar’s boardwalk reconstruction, the Republican governor was asked about the status of his relationship with Sweeney, a Democrat and possible opponent in the fall gubernatorial election.

Christie said, “I love him, but our love is strained” as the crowd laughed.

Sweeney apologized for saying Christie “prayed” for Sandy, but says Christie uses it to avoid discussion of his record on other topics.

Christie also said he and Sweeney shared a fist-bump after Tuesday’s State of the State speech because Sweeney is sick and didn’t want to infect the governor with a handshake.