I enjoyed your article (They don’t know us: Why security agencies fear GA and what we can do about it, February issue) and agree with its premise, except for your assertion that the NRA’s campaign contributions is what makes them influential. NRA campaign contributions pale in comparison to the NRA’s membership. The NRA brings votes to the table — that’s what politicians respect. They are vocal and inform their members as to “who’s with ’em and who’s agin ’em.” Money has little to do with it. They rate candidates and endorse candidates.
As an NRA life member, and statewide elected official in Texas, I speak from the experience of four elections here in Texas. I received very little money from the NRA, but I received a hell of a lot of votes! I’ll be subscribing to your magazine.
Jerry Patterson
Texas Land Commissioner