Yesterday the National Rifles Association endorsed Ron Johnson for Senate. Despite some of Russ Feingold's pro-gun stances, the endorsement is no surprise. Feingold supports some gun control measures, and the NRA opposes any method of gun control. Although Johnson made some semantics errors in describing his position on guns earlier this year, which the Feingold campaign tried to make an issue of, few honest commentators believe Johnson would cross the GOP party line to challenge gun rights.
It will be interesting to see if the NRA puts a lot of resources into the race. Although the organization's goal is to eliminate any restrictions on guns in private and public positions which Feingold regularly disagrees with the junior senator is not its number one opponent. He has taken a number of pro-gun votes throughout his career, including votes against extending the assault weapon ban, in favor of ending the handgun ban in D.C. and in favor of allowing airline pilots to have guns in the cockpit. He has also stated support for concealed carry in Wisconsin.
However, it is near-impossible for a Senate Democrat to get endorsed by the NRA when the group takes votes on Supreme Court justices into account. It cited the court nominations of Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in denying the historically pro-gun Harry Reid an endorsement last month. Therefore, House Democrats in conservative districts have a much easier time gaining the NRA's support because they are never forced to choose between the gun lobby and the party on a SCOTUS confirmation.
What would it have meant if the NRA had endorsed Feingold? It sure would have supported his maverick brand, but in a year when the Democrats are desperately trying to get out the base, it might hurt him in Milwaukee and Madison.
The NRA's endorsement of Johnson is predictable, and probably won't move too many single-issue voters away from Feingold. However, it does effectively end any attacks against Johnson on the gun issue.
