Fairfax, Va. -The National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund announced today the endorsement of Bob McDonnell for Virginia governor. Bob McDonnell's strong, pro-gun record has earned him an "A" rating and endorsement by NRA-PVF.
"Bob McDonnell is an effective leader for Virginia hunters and gun owners," said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA Political Victory Fund. "His opinions and actions as an attorney general have protected and enhanced the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. His zero-tolerance attitude toward criminals makes him the best choice for governor. We ask every Virginia hunter, gun owner and Second Amendment advocate to vote McDonnell for governor this November."
McDonnell commented, "I am pleased and honored to receive the endorsement of the NRA and its hundreds of thousands of members, hunters and gun owners within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our state has long been a leader in respecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners. Those efforts will continue if I'm elected governor."
McDonnell has consistently proven he understands and values the importance of the Second Amendment. In February 2008, Bob McDonnell was one of 31 state attorneys general to sign the amicus brief in the historic District of Columbia v. Heller case, supporting an individual right to keep and bear arms. In 2007, McDonnell issued an opinion stating that the Department of State Police should not release to the public the names and addresses of people who possess a concealed carry permit, as releasing such information puts people at risk.
Bob McDonnell also played a key role in bringing to an end New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's use of non-law enforcement agents to conduct unauthorized "straw-purchases" in Virginia and other states. After concerns were raised about these unauthorized tactics, McDonnell drafted and requested the introduction of HB 2653, which prohibited such reckless actions from occurring again.
"Bob McDonnell stood up against Bloomberg's underhanded attacks on the constitutional rights of Virginia's law-abiding gun dealers and owners," concluded Cox. "We are confident that he will continue to defend our right to keep and bear arms as Governor of Virginia and we are proud to announce our endorsement."
- NRA -
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.
