NRA endorses Paul Ryan in primary race, backs him after House duel over gun control


By Tom Howell Jr. - The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 19, 2016


The National Rifle Association endorsed House Speaker Paul Ryan for re-election to his congressional seat Tuesday, saying the “lifelong outdoorsman and avid hunter” can be trusted to stave off gun-control measures favored by President Obama and presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Mr. Ryan, Wisconsin Republican, earned an A-plus from the association for his voting record in favor of Second Amendment rights.

The NRA, which also endorsed soon-to-be GOP nominee Donald Trump, said Mr. Ryan backed a series of legislative proposals to promote firearms dealers, hunters and everyday gun owners, including a concealed carry reciprocity law that lets American with concealed handgun permits transfer that right into other states that allow concealed carry.


“The NRA is honored to endorse Paul Ryan and appreciates his steadfast support of the Second Amendment,” said Chris Cox, chairman of the NRA-Political Victory Fund. “The NRA encourages all gun-owners, hunters and sportsmen to vote re-elect Paul Ryan this November.”

Mr. Ryan faces a Aug. 9 primary against long-shot challenger Paul Nehlen, who says the speaker hasn’t done enough to embrace Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Mr. Ryan, however, is easily beating the political newcomer in polls and fundraising, leading analysts to believe the sitting speaker is safe, barring the type of shock result that toppled then-Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014.

The NRA’s endorsement comes days after Mr. Ryan staved off Democratic calls for House votes on measures to ban people on terror watch lists from owning guns.

The minority party even staged a sit-in on the House floor to protest the lack of action on gun control by House GOP leaders in the wake of a nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla., that killed 49.

Mr. Ryan said their proposals were unconstitutional, and instead backed a more limited proposal as part of a broader package on terrorism.

The measure mirrored one by Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican, that would allow the attorney general to have the power to deny a gun sale for up to three days, giving prosecutors time to go to court to prove a suspect is involved with terrorism.

Conservatives revolted against the legislation, however, saying the gun proposals were too stringent and the anti-terror parts were too lax, leaving the effort in limbo.

Read more at: Washington Times