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WHEELING – The National Rifle Association announced Monday it is backing Rep. David McKinley in his bid for a third term in Congress.
The influential gun rights group also endorsed McKinley, R-W.Va., during the 2012 election cycle.
“Our way of life in West Virginia is under attack from those that do not understand our state and its traditions. We must stand firm against the constant incursions on our Constitutional rights,” McKinley said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the NRA in the fight to protect our Second Amendment rights.”
Although McKinley picked up the NRA’s endorsement, the group has given both he and his opponent, Democrat state Auditor Glen Gainer, “A” ratings. Such a rating is given to a “candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues,” according to the NRA.
With the McKinley endorsement, the NRA now has endorsed candidates in all four of West Virginia’s congressional races this year.
The group is backing Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., over Democrat Secretary of State Natalie Tennant in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va. In West Virginia’s 2nd District, the NRA has endorsed Republican Alex Mooney over Democrat Nick Casey, and Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., over his challenger, Republican Evan Jenkins, in the 3rd District.
On the Ohio side, Republican Rep. Bill Johnson has picked up the NRA’s endorsement over his Democrat challenger, Jennifer Garrison, in the 6th District race.