Posted on 09/25/2007 2:13:46 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
The National Rifle Association, which did not endorse President Bush in 2000 and 2004 until just a month before the general election, is considering stepping into the presidential campaign fray early next year during the primary season, the group's chief lobbyist says.
While the NRA waited until October in each of the past two presidential election years before endorsing a candidate, the group plans to take a more high-profile role early in the 2008 Republican nomination process.
"Historically, we have not gotten involved in primaries. We traditionally wait until after the conventions," said Chris Cox, head lobbyist for the NRA. "That being said, given the candidates and the process and the front-loading of the primaries, it is a possibility that we could get involved in one of these presidential primaries."
Republican presidential hopefuls know of the 4-million-member group's power. On Friday, they paraded before 500 lifetime NRA members at a conference in Washington, each making a pitch for why they are the best candidate to protect the rights of gun owners.
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, who earned an "A" rating from the NRA during his time in the Senate, was the group's favorite. Meanwhile, the GOP front-runner, Rudolph W. Giuliani, left members underwhelmed.
"He's a flip-flopper," said Ed Hanson of Wisconsin, shortly after listening to the former New York City mayor's speech at the Capital Hilton. "He should say one thing and stick with it. Say what you mean and stand by it. He hasn't done that. And that's a problem — a huge problem."
Interviews with a dozen others who attended the star-studded event — all lifetime members, some wearing NRA hats, others in camouflage gear — found a consensus: Mr. Giuliani is not their man...(continued)
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Nobody is more offensive to me...
I have said so many times. I despise Clinton, but I think Ruby Julie-Annie is worse... He could marry Mrs. Clinton and few would be able to tell the difference between him and her husband...
Thanks for the article. It looks like the NRA has to change tactics and drive out front runner rudy, the media’s pick.
Yeah, buddy. I feel for you. That trip to the trashcan is a real b!tch especially if the tv remote doesn’t reach that far.
By the way, John Wayne’s single action Colt was made in 1909!! I guess you didn’t read that article.
The moonbats are going to vote for the Hilabeast or some other liberal be they Republican or Democrat.
The NRA's early decision would be to affect the process. They will want someone that is strongly pro-2A and has something better than a snowballs chance in hell of winning.
That makes Thompson a logical choice.
The NRA members I know, including myself, are also very fond of the idea of confronting islamo-facists over there and not over here. Which would make Ron Paul a throw away endorsement.
You raise a good point, in that there is more than one good candidate for the NRA to choose from. But they aren't endorsing right now. By Feb-March of next year, it will be time for those who have not broken 10% to start heading for stage right.
You have a strange definition of "serious". Supporting a certain loser by attempting to show some sort of "high principle" doesn't win elections and is a tragic waste of valuable influence.
If you want to positively affect the future of our country, it would be most helpful for you to support whomever has the best chance of defeating Hillary. Your approach would just give her a bigger margin and plausible claims of a mandate.
I think we shall hear from Fred himself that this is not true. I think he is far too much of a Federalist to embrace that sellout.
LLS
Excuse me, but 'which' article? I searced the one posted and couldn't find that.
Have a link? Sounds like good reading.
thanks.
More fear of the think tank...
Sheesh...
This is great!
Ron Paul? SURELY YOU JEST!! ROFLOLOL
The reality is that Hunter can't even get by Mike Huckabee in the polls. He seems no more capable of winning the nomination than Alan Keyes.
I know... far too many conspiracy nuts here... but the left has their’s too!
LLS
uhm, yeah. hunter is a lot more pro 2a than thompson.
A Rudy vs. Hillary race in 2008 would leave the NRA trapped on the sidelines. Rudy needs to be elimated in the primaries ASAP.
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