NRA-ILA's Chris Cox: NRA eyeing role in GOP primaries

The Washington Times is reporting that Chris Cox, Executive Director of The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), says the group is considering stepping into the presidential campaign fray early next year during the primary season.

This would mark a significant shift from years past - the NRA-ILA did not endorse President Bush in 2000 and 2004 until just a month before the general election.

Click 'Read More' for the full story.

From the story:

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."

"Given the candidates" indeed. For the better party of a year now, Buckeye Firearms Association has been sounding warning bells about the fact that front-runners in BOTH political parties were anti-gun. From John "close the (non-existent) gun show loophole" McCain to Rudy "sue the gun manufacturers out of existence" Giuliani to Mitt "ban the semi-automatic weapons" Romney, things have not been looking good for gun owners who are used to finding a pro-gun candidate on the Republican side of the ticket. Not, that is, until former Senator Fred Thompson announced his candidacy.

Again, from the story:

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.

Asked whether the candidate's speech had swayed his view of Mr. Giuliani, NRA member Tom Crum said, "No, not at all."

"He was too wishy-washy," said the 69-year-old Orlando Park, Ill., resident. "At the end of his speech, he said, 'I think I'm beginning to see.' That bothers me a lot."

Mr. Giuliani has a long record on guns, from advocating waiting periods for purchases and national licensing — two ideas vehemently opposed by NRA members — to joining a lawsuit against gun manufacturers.

While Mr. Cox would not comment directly on Mr. Giuliani's record, he said: "NRA members are not only very loyal, but very savvy. They wil look at not only what a politician says today, but positions they've taken in the past and commitments they've made for the future."

Dave Workman, senior editor of Gun Week magazine, said there simply isn't any room for nuance on gun rights.

"You don't support the Second Amendment; you live the Second Amendment," he said. "The firearms community's got a long memory."