Matt Colt Hall reflects on some of the missing NRA surveys, where unfortunately the NRA marks some as late or non-responders.
Small problem with that. Some of the candidates did indeed respond. Amanda Chase apparently submitted a survey in SEN-11, as did Susan Stimpson in HOD-28 according to reliable (and in some cases, a bit upset) sources.
Of course… y’all know the endorsement that really matters in Virginia when it comes to the Second Amendment — right?
Quick story: When I ran for House of Delegates back in 2005, I got the endorsement of every 2A group out there but one, the NRA. True, they did me a solid by giving me an A rating, but the endorsement went to my opponent… who got an A-. Other organizations I had to fill out the surveys — with some coaching from friends who knew the issue better than I did — and passed with flying colors.
The right to life being my core issue, yet holding on to a passion for all things 2A, this happened to be just the right sort of candidate — someone who would pledge to file one or two bills a year for the movement and stick their guns when they did. No worries.
I still consider my NRA rating to be a hat tip of sorts, so there’s zero bitterness here. But it should remind folks that the NRA is concerned about a certain maintenance of influence and power among reliable elected officials, and dare not rock the boat unless need be. Organizations like VCDL worry about something very different: protecting the 2nd Amendment with as much passion as other organizations defend the 1st.
It’s a distinction that matters.
…and if you’re counting endorsements, Susan Stimpson did indeed submit a VCDL-PAC survey, and duly received the endorsement of VCDL-PAC.
(DISCLAIMER: I am an open supporter of VCDL and a dues paying member, which I guess in today’s parlance makes one a “shill” for the 2nd Amendment. Damn straight… VCDL is awesome.)
