The National Rifle Association is still struggling to right itself after its longtime chairman stepped aside amid federal investigations into its spending practices. In a sign that its political astuteness is still in doubt, the group endorsed a Democratic congresswoman for her reelection, drawing scorn from conservatives who would otherwise welcome pro-gun election-year activity.
Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) is the only Democrat the NRA will endorse in 2024, a rare accomplishment for the Alaskan lawmaker who is the first member of her party to earn the nod since 2020 when it backed Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN). As the state's sole member of Congress, Rep. Peltola claims she owns 176 long guns and dares "someone to tread on Alaskan freedoms," The Hill reported. "Guns are an integral part of Alaska's culture and our subsistence lifestyles," Peltola said in a statement touting the endorsement. "Alaskan gun [owners] are the strongest proponents for responsible gun ownership. We pass down our knowledge and skills to our children."
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Since controversially beating former Gov. Sarah Palin in 2022, Rep. Peltola has been one of the few conservative Democrats in the U.S. House, straddling the fence between the Biden administration and a GOP majority. She votes with both about an equal amount, according to FiveThirtyEight. Randy Kozuch, who chairs the NRA's political arm, praised all NRA-backed candidates for their shared promise to "support and defend the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms" no matter the candidates' party affiliation. "In Congress, Representative Peltola has supported efforts to rein in overreach by the ATF, voted for legislation supporting the Second Amendment rights of veterans, and voted in favor of protecting traditional ammunition," Kozuch said in a statement to The Hill. "Given her strong record of support for gun rights and law-abiding gun owners, NRA-PVF is proud to endorse Representative Peltola for re-election."
Second Amendment conservatives were up in arms online, calling for the NRA to receive the "Bud Light treatment" and be canceled for failing to endorse one of Peltola's Republican challengers, including Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom or Nick Begich, both of whom have raked in six-figure levels of donations in the past quarter. "Looks like it might be time to 'Bud Light' the @NRA. This is very disappointing," one commentator wrote. A Veteran hunter echoed the call for a boycott. "NRA endorsement of a democrat. I'm pissed
