NRA Endorses George Allen Over Tim Kaine

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has endorsed former Virginia Gov. George Allen over Democratic Senate opponent Tim Kaine, on Saturday.

“George Allen has a proven record of defending the Second Amendment,” said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. “Because of his strong support of our rights, George Allen has earned an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF.”

Kaine, who is also a former governor of the state, got an “F” from the 4-million member organization.

“As chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tim Kaine strongly supported the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court — the same Sonia Sotomayor who signed an opinion saying that Americans do not have an individual right to keep and bear arms,” according to the organization. “As a Richmond councilman, Kaine suggested that the city of Richmond team up with Fairfax and Norfolk to push gun control laws.

“Further, he was endorsed by the anti-gun Brady Campaign in 2001 when he ran for lieutenant governor,” officials added. “And as governor, Tim Kaine vetoed HB 1106, which would have allowed law-abiding Virginians to carry a handgun in their personal motor vehicle or vessel as long as it was secured in a container or compartment.”

Saturday’s endorsement at The Nation’s Gun Show in Chantilly, Va., built on the organization’s earlier endorsement of the Republican during the state’s June primary.

“As Governor of Virginia, George Allen supported and signed Virginia’s Right-to-Carry law, abolished parole for violent criminals, and promoted truth-in-sentencing legislation,” according to the NRA. “While in Congress, Allen cosponsored and voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which protects American gun makers from being sued into bankruptcy. He also sponsored National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity legislation, cosponsored the Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act, and voted to prohibit gun confiscation during states of emergency.”

Allen called the endorsement “meaningful” and praised the organization’s defense of the Second Amendment.

“I appreciate the NRA’s principled protection of our Second Amendment rights through safe and responsible firearm ownership,” he said. “As governor, I was proud to have led historic reforms including the abolition of parole and juvenile justice reform that successfully reduced crime by cracking down on criminals without restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens. As Virginia’s senator, I will continue standing for our constitutional rights in Washington while promoting responsible policies to keep our families and our streets safe.”