NRA "Capitulation"

[rev214]

Posted by Erick Erickson at RedState:

It took me blogging at RedState pointing out that the NRA was missing in action on Sotomayor for the NRA to do anything about her nomination.
And when the NRA engaged, it did so by sending out a letter publicly telling Sotomayor what she needed to say so the NRA would not score her vote.
Apparently, it worked.
The NRA knows it cannot support Sotomayor’s confirmation. After all, Sotomayor actually said she did not know if there was such a thing as a “right to self defense” in the United States Constitution — don’t worry, she knows for sure there is an abortion right there.
Sotomayor believes that states can ban ownership of nunchucks by individuals who don’t want to own a handgun for self-defense.
In fact, Sotomayor is to the left of Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the issue of self-defense.
But while the NRA knows it cannot support Sotomayor and must oppose her, the NRA also knows that Senators will not pay attention unless the NRA “scores” the vote, i.e. negatively impacts a Senator’s gun rating if the Senator votes for Sotomayor.
The NRA, if you will recall, fell all over itself to avoid saying anything negative about Eric Holder, the most anti-gun Attorney General to ever reside at the DOJ. The NRA did not want to put Democrat Senators in awkward positions against their newly elected President.
In the same way, the NRA does not want to put Senators in awkward positions when it comes to Sonia Sotomayor. The NRA values its bipartisan reputation more than it values the second amendment.

>>detraction
For the first time in the NRA’s history, the NRA will oppose a nomination to the United States Supreme Court without scoring the vote.

In other words, Senators can vote for Sotomayor — the most anti-gun and anti-self defense nominee ever — and face no repercussions from the NRA.

David Keene of ACU, who has been in some hot water lately, is on the board of the NRA. If he wanted to really make amends quickly with conservatives troubled by the FedEx flap, he should push the issue with the NRA.
Let’s not hold our breath, however. We must keep our perspective. The National Rifle Association actively opposed legislation that would allow individuals to carry rifles into national parks. Perhaps it is time to become life members of Gun Owners of America instead of the NRA.
Charleston [sic] Heston rolls over in his grave today.

[Dannytheman]

You don't have to win every battle, as long as the war is won!

[Ihatemyglock]

Sometimes you have to play politics, no matter how stupid it may seem.

[FNG19]

Personally, I'm glad the NRA isn't burning political capital on this one. It's a fight we can't win, and it's not an end-game. Sotomayor will vote reliably against the 2A at every turn, which is part of her appeal for the Administration. Due to the current makeup of the Senate, there's no way she wouldn't get confirmed.

Personally, I'm glad the NRA is letting this slide, and if they're smart, they won't ding anyone for voting for her in recognition of the political realities. People don't forget when you do them wrong, and dinging them for doing what they have to (and, frankly, if you're a Democrat Senator, you pretty much have to vote to confirm) will only hurt your cause. Instead, you mark it down as an IOU for the next time you need something major.

[rev214]

Sebastian says RedState "didn't get the memo." The NRA is grading the vote.

[Sebastian]

Red State has no idea what they are talking about when it comes to gun issues. Erick needs to stop taking his pro-gun news from Larry Pratt.