Deeds on the NRA: Then vs. Now
- In 2005, NRA Endorsement Was "Very, Very Important;" Today Not So Much -
RICHMOND - Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds has undergone a tremendous change of heart regarding the importance of being endorsed by the National Rifle Association, an organization that boasts 120,000 members in Virginia. After securing the NRA endorsement in 2005, Deeds called it "very, very important." With today's news that the group has endorsed Republican Bob McDonnell, the NRA has suddenly turned into "basically a Republican organization."
2005
"The NRA endorsement is by far more prominent than the endorsement of the FOP. I'm sure when voters head to the polls November 8 they're going to put a lot greater weight on who's endorsed by the NRA," [Deeds spokesman Peter] Jackson said. "The FOP chose to endorse the entire Republican ticket." (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, September 30, 2005)
*
"This was and is very, very important to me," Deeds said.
He said the NRA's backing "could make a difference" in his race with Republican Bob McDonnell, a state delegate from Virginia Beach who also has made a strong push for support from gun owners. Polls indicate the race is very close. (Roanoke Times, September 30, 2005)
2009
Deeds downplayed the importance of the NRA on Monday saying that he has always been a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and gun rights, and he said that politically the NRA is "basically a Republican organization." (Daily Press, September 14, 2009)
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