The NRA’s influence in Washington and many states is legendary. In recent elections, the gun rights lobby has spent tens of millions to back members, both Republicans and moderate Democrats who side with its anti-gun control agenda, through a mix of PAC contributions, independent expenditures and other campaign tools, a Center for Public Integrity review shows.
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For the first nine months of last year, the NRA spent just over $2 million on lobbying, the Center said.
The NRA did not return a reporter’s phone calls on Monday. But the gun lobby released a statement that read, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this senseless tragedy, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and their families during this difficult time. We join the rest of the country in praying for the quick recovery of those injured.”
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Rand said that typically after high-profile shooting rampages, the NRA tries to delay action on legislative proposals. The NRA often argues that tragedies like the Tucson shootings shouldn’t be exploited for political ends and stresses that “it’s time to mourn, not to pass legislation to prevent future tragedies,” Rand said.
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