The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund has released its [GRADES FOR THE 2010 PRIMARY--SEE UPDATE BELOW] in Nevada. Absent from their assessment: one of the most important campaigns in the country, the United States Senate race between incumbent Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) and challenger Sharron Angle (R). (Click here to review NRA-PVF grades and endorsements.)
We know NRA announced it will not endorse Reid based on his support confirming anti-gun Supreme Court justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. We also know at the time one of their PR flacks said they would not be endorsing anyone in the race, and I pegged that as "weaselly equivocation."
Why?
As a state-level candidate, NRA gave Angle an "A."
At the same time, NRA gave Reid a "B."
In every grading system I've ever seen, "A" wins.
So how does NRA reward that? By giving the Reid campaign thousands of dollars.
Add to this:
Angle unequivocally went on the record with specific answers to tough questions related to the right to keep and bear arms. Reid was confident he could ignore them.
Gun Owners of America endorses Angle and has released a chronological account of Reid's anti-gun votes.
On top of that, Reid approved a campaign ad disparaging the ultimate purpose of the Second Amendment (using a self-proclaimed "NRA member").
This is unacceptable--but not unexpected for those of us who have been following NRA's many ratings "miscalculations" over the years.
So now we have their so-called "Political Victory Fund" afraid to take a stand and produce a political victory. What the hell else do they even exist for? And how does turning their backs on the best gun rights candidate in this race enhance their credibility in any race? The message that sends is, you can do everything in your power to promote that "single issue" they say is all they care about, and they'll still hang you out to dry. That's some loyalty-building.
I don't expect a campaign calling Fairfax will do much good. My experience with Vulcan Chess Masters tells me they're going to dig in their heels and ignore any protests over this, so ultimately, there's really only one thing that will get their attention.
If the mighty "800-Lb. gorilla" is too frightened to get involved because of the chicken-hearted "Majority Leader Chuckie Schumer" excuse (which is what it is), then they're simply unfit to lead. If they insist on being Not Relevant Anymore in key political races, give them their wish.
There are alternatives we could help grow, you know...
"Vote Freedom First." Unless you're afraid to.
Or unless you've got a backroom deal to stay out of things?
UPDATE: NRA added a caveat to their PVF site for the 2010 NV race:
These ratings were for the June 8 Primary and are not General Election Endorsements
OK. Why are other races represented, but not the U.S. Senate primary?
Also see:
- NRA: No endorsement for Reid AND Angle?
- NV Senate candidate Sharron Angle also deserves gun owner support
- Harry Reid ignores gun rights questionnaire
- Harry Reid approves ad attacking 2nd Amendment armed resistance potential
------------
Black Man with a Gun: The Musical
"Black Man with a Gun" Pastor Kenn Blanchard has released a music video. I'd challenge him to a blues-off, except, well, he's talented and I'm sober...
And click here to listen to The Urban Shooter podcast. And while you're at it, tell your friends about it. And if you're a blogger, blog about it. And if you're a podcaster, podcast about it.
Wouldn't it be great to get this needed voice syndicated across the Republic? Why not help create a demonstrable mass market demand, and have fun and learn stuff in the bargain?
Also see:
------------
Help wanted--inquire within
Regular readers: Please help me spread the word by sharing Gun Rights Examiner links with your friends? And get more commentary on the gun rights stories of the day at The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance.
Comments
Outstanding article, David.
You read between the lines a few weeks ago and called it, that their silence on Angle was telegraphing their intent not to endorse her.
The NRA has demonstrated again that their true mission is to keep the RKBA issue alive for the revenue stream of memberships. Their supposed logic is obviously flawed, and cowardly if one were to even try to accept it at face value. The true way to win the war is to send Harry home so that next cycle the NRA can allocate limited resources to another race - because with Harry at home and Sharron Angle in office, Nevada is no longer a fight.
Now, if Harry wins, NRA will have left an enemy on the field when there was no reason to do so - unless of course your true goal is not to win.
Sam
III
The other alternative is chuckie schumer as the majority leader. I have no idea why I have to explain this on a political website
Feel free to try.
This is Robert- I have said it all along and that is to get the NRA's attention memberships have to drop and memberships in local and regional gun organizations that are producing winners have to go up at the NRA's expense. The people leading the NRA are going to ignore the wants of the country and their members because if they win the war they have no reason to exist except as a social club and that does not translate into power for them. Elect Angle and others like her and deprive the NRA of its members adn dues by walking away from the organization that is selling you out in my opinion. Support gun rights but do so through other organizations living up to their promises. Harry Reid is just the first of many who need to be sent out of politics and public life. America has the chance to take back America from Washignton this November so use the ballot to get back the freedom our forefathers spent lead and lives to obtain. Honor every American who has served and/or died for this country by making it free again and preserving the second amendment as it was meant to be. Boot the Harry Reids out of office regardless of party.
Empty holsters, empty heads, empty hearts. Here's hoping their wallets will soon be empty as well. Nice job, DC. Linked with a couple of other thoughts at The Cliffs of Insanity (cliffsofinsanity2010.blogspot.com/)
David,
what is the purpose of using a picture of an African American holding a military style gun with caption "Black man with a Gun?"
Second, I don't blame the NRA for not endorsing Angle. Like you said, it's a choice between a B candidate or A candidate. As a proud member of the NRA, I understand that the NRA has to make priorities. The Nevada Senate race is not a priority as compared with the race here in Missouri. The race here is Missouri, where Roy Blunt is running against anti-conceal carry Carnahan.
reid not a priority??? you're insane,,he ramrods the senate
In re why Kenn Blanchard's photos, all I can say is I only write these. It's up to you to read them through.
Are you such a blind, stupid NRA toady you can't see it's NOT a choice between a B and an A? Reid's "B" is an UNDESERVED GRADE. Reid voted against gun rights EVERY time since Hussein got in.
The corrupt NRA usurpers have priorities alright. Too bad they don't include the 2nd Amendment. The grades for scumbags like Reid are clearly based on other considerations.
Apropos...Apparently La Pierre missed his other foot tapper bedfellow Larry Craig so much he had him renominated to the NRA Board of Directors. Anyone know if he was actually re-elected? That ought to make La Pierre and Cox EXTREMELY pleased and get their bathrooms busy again.
I never liked Cox, but it looks like La Pierre always did.
i canceled my life membership and demanded my name be removed from their list
im done with bs
What makes this so bad is that Angle has a real shot. Now it's harder for them to claim they're playing it safe to avoid possible chuckie schumer leadership. Rand Paul will win in Ky barring voting fraud and people in lots of places are generally pissed. The NRA should have more courage.
I sent a letter to Larry Potterfield at MidwayUSA, asking him to tell the NRA he will cease his "NRA Round-up" donations until such time as the NRA returns to actually representing its members and the rest of us gun owners and citizens. I haven't received a response at this time, but perhaps other customers of Midway can join me in this and get Mr. Potterfield to help us all out. As I told him, it is obvious that it is money which drives the NRA, so withholding it is probably our only hope of changing their behavior. MidwayUSA represents a considerable amount of money to the NRA.
I've already started returning all NRA, NRA/ILA, and NRA/PVF contribution requests back to Fairfax via registered mail with return receipt requested. Along with each package of material I include a short polite note saying that the "political speach" I used to contribute to them is going to SAF to help defray the costs of Heller and McDonald, costs that should have been born by NRA. Whenever LaPierre grows a pair, or is replacedby someone who already has one, I'll go back to supporing NRA financially. Until such a day occurs, there are others who will use my $$$ more wisely.
DDS -- NRA Life member
DDS, I'm proud to know you. There has been no one in GRE comments a more ardent defender of NRA than you, and I know you've taken flak for it at times, so for you to post what you just did shows integrity. Like you, I am a life member, and unlike many, I don't encourage people to quit--I encourage them to become voting members and work for change. That said, I'm afraid until they do, my support will be limited to specific things NRA does that should be encouraged, like the handgun lawsuit to allow those of voting and military age to purchase from dealers.
Those who would be quick to characterize dissent as "NRA bashing" need to realize that by the same logic, anyone criticizing the Obama administration could be accused of "America bashing."
Why send stuff "back to Fairfax via registered mail with return receipt requested"?
Better to stick it all in their "return" envelope - along with your note - and thus make THEM pay your postage?
Personally, I was seriously considering "life member" status but after recent events and the weekly begging-letters I got I haven't even renewed my regular membership - after making sure they knew why.
2AF, JFPO, GOA. Support REAL gun-rights organizations.
DD
"Why send stuff "back to Fairfax via registered mail with return receipt requested"?
Better to stick it all in their "return" envelope - along with your note - and thus make THEM pay your postage?"
Because I know that it increases the chances it will get to someone in the leadership and not just get chucked in the trash by some contract employed schmuck who's paid to open envelopes, extract the checks, and chuck the rest in the trash. You can't just boycott people, you have to make sure they know your are boycotting them and why. Likewise, you can't just tell us why you don't like Wayne LaPierre and the NRA, you have to tell them. It increases your chances of getting the results you want. You did want results, didn't you?
Next "softball" question, please.
DDS -- NRA Life member
Oh, and PS: Why don't they ask their Nevada members what THEY want NRA to do?
DD
Because Mr. LaPierre and Mr. Cox are politicians. Politicians are rarely going to ask their constituants what they want. And absent instructions from said constituants, they, like our congress critters, are going to assume everything back home is OK and none of the folks are riled up enough to vote against them. On the other hand, someone who is ticked off enough to write a check to another organization and sent Fairfax a copy with a note suggesting they "extract digit" as the Aussies say, then take it to the Post Office and stand in line to pay a couple of bucks more to mail it is someone who is not particularly pleased with how things are going. Politicians respond to that kind of stuff or they become ex-politicians. If enough of us were sending money NRA considers to be theirs to SAF, and telling NRA why, things at Fairfax would change. Money talks... and so forth.
PS. I also returned the letter offering me the chance to upgrade my "Endowment" membership to "Patron" at a very reduced rate. I told Mr. Lapierre that I used to value those upgraded memberships when they truly indicated one's level of commitment to 2A rights. That is, before he drastically cut the dues and screwed that all up royally.
DDS -- NRA Life Member (Endowment wouldn't fit in the old web page's box and I get more than enough grief from you guys just identifying myself as a "Lifer" ;-) )
The NRA continues to play games in the Nevada Senate Race and its waking people up.
David the NRA has undermined so many rights in my life time that it’s ridiculous.
Prior to the 68 GCA the American people placed a self imposed 14-28 day waiting period on themselves when purchasing a gun, it was called “MAIL ORDER”
The NRA ended mail order sales with their support of the 68GCA
Thanks to the NRA if I go to the Hospital I have to be careful if someone sticks their head in the room and asks me how I’m doing. In Illinois that’s the equivalent of a Psychological exam and that phoney exam is reported to the Illinois State police as a disqualifier of a FOID card.
If my FOID card expires and I don’t realize it because the Illinois State police did not send me a re-new notice and I am caught with a loaded firearm in my possession I go to jail a mandatory 1-3 years thanks to the NRA.
Now thanks to the NRA and their lack of support for Angle we may end up with Reid again
Wonderful
Maybe with Daley gone you can get rid of your FOID's and finally quit whining about all the bad things the NRA has done to you. You might also get some of your non-Chicago neighbors to actually vote. It is your state. It is not the NRA's fault you let the Daley Machine mess it up.
Are my eye deceiving me, or is the man in the photo ("Black man with a gun") holding the gun BACKWARDS? If so, why? Was this deliberate?
Nah, he's got it right. Just the tubular stock looks a little like a barrel. Lets all be thankfull he's not holding it sideways like MTV teaches in their "gun safety videos".
The NRA seems to be having a spate of ill advised endorsements. They just endorsed Ike Skelton over a rock solid 2nd Amendment candidate Vicky Hartzler. Vicky worked closely with 2nd amendment grassroots groups in the state of MO. when she was a Representative. Now she is in a good position to beat Skelton who has been voting with Pelosi agenda about 98% of the time. The NRA give Skelton and A, a National Gun Rights group that actually grades candidates (Gun Owners of America) gives Skelton a C. What is going on with the NRA? They are SO out of touch with reality!
Thanks for the heads-up on this race, Anon.
http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-national/is-ike-skelton-a-steadfas...
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!