Don’t Be Afraid of NRA Bullies

from truthdig:


Don’t Be Afraid of NRA Bullies

Posted on Dec 19, 2012
By Bill Boyarsky


Despite the horror of the Sandy Hook Elementary School slaughter, politicians approaching proposals for stronger gun regulation remain stricken with caution and fear of the National Rifle Association and its allies.

Wary of the NRA and its deep-pocket gun and ammunition-manufacturing supporters, gun control advocates are offering only mild proposals. Yet, despite the fear the organization generates, the NRA’s reputation as a political juggernaut may be overrated. It lost big campaigns in the last election even though it poured millions of dollars into them.

The most notable survivor of an NRA attack was President Barack Obama. The organization, determined to deny him a second term, spent $8.9 million campaigning against the president while spending $3 million for Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate, according to the Center For Responsive Politics’ Open Secrets website.

Other major NRA failures include spending $753,000 in an unsuccessful effort to defeat Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and $511,000 against Democrat Tim Keane, who won in Virginia. The NRA blew $588,000 on Republican Richard Mourdock, beaten in Indiana. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/dont_be_afraid_of_nra_bullies_20121219/