Rick snags the National Rifle Association endorsement...

I would argue this may be the biggest endorsement of them all in a Republican primary... and Rick now has it... skillful choice by Kay's peeps in releasing the elder Bush endorsement today... and yet somehow this endorsement was dated back to last Friday (link). Excerpt follows...

NRA-PVF Endorses Texas Governor Rick Perry for Re-election

Friday, January 15, 2010

Fairfax, VA. – Today, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is announcing its endorsement of Texas Governor Rick Perry for re-election in the state’s Republican primary election on March 2nd.

Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF stated, “The National Rifle Association supports Governor Perry because he is a champion and staunch defender of the Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding Texas gun owners.”

During his time as governor, Perry signed into law reciprocal or unilateral agreements through which Texans can legally carry concealed handguns in 32 states, and through which Texas now recognizes permits issued by 42 other states. He also signed SB 378 (the Castle Doctrine bill) into law in 2007, allowing Texans to defend themselves when threatened in their homes instead of being legally forced to retreat.

His accomplishments also include signing the following bills into law: extending the term of a concealed handgun license from four to five years; protecting shooting ranges from junk lawsuits; clarifying an individual’s right to carry a handgun in a motor vehicle; preventing the confiscation of firearms and ammunition from law-abiding citizens during a state of emergency; and reducing fees by 50 percent and lowering the age from 21 to 18 on concealed handgun licenses for active-duty military and veterans.

Perry’s support for the Second Amendment as the incumbent governor has earned him an “A+” rating and the endorsement from NRA-PVF.

“On March 2nd, I urge all Texas NRA Members and gun owners to vote Rick Perry for Governor,” Cox concluded.

- nra - pvf -

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

Even though the NRA endorsement has more sway with voters I think the Bush one will get more media attention. You can bet that Rick's commercials will now talk about this endorsement... in a primary it is hard to differentiate yourself but getting the NRA endorsement goes a long way in saying you are a real conservative...

As a member of the NRA I can say that the NRA is one of the only organizations that I listen to when they ask me to send candidates money and vote... the second amendment is just too big of a deal to take for granted...