NRA Considering backing Dems in Ohio.

[Ben.]

From Politics 1…

“OHIO: The politically influential NRA and other pro-gun rights groups are openly considering working for the defeat next year of US Senator Mike DeWine (R), according to The Hill. One DC gun lobbyist called DeWine "the most activist, anti-gun Republican in the Senate" and praised Congressman Tim Ryan (D) -- a potential DeWine challenger -- as having "a long and consistent record of pro-gun support." Larry Pratt, head of the more uncompromising Gun Owners of America, said his group graded DeWine an "F" rating and Ryan a "B" rating (versus a "D" grade for Bill Frist and a "C" for Rick Santorum). "Personally, as an individual and an ardent Republican, I would love to see anyone run against DeWine, especially Ryan," said Rick Kaleda, a NRA political organizer for Ohio. DeWine was one of only two GOP Senators to oppose a bill protecting gun makers from liability for damages caused by the use of their products. State GOP Political Director Jason Mauk said he wasn't worried about DeWine being vulnerable, because the Dems do not yet have an announced candidate and DeWine "votes with the President 95% of the time." However, the ongoing scandals swirling around term-limited Governor Bob Taft (R) -- now holding a dismal 17% approval rating -- are also causing major electoral concerns for many GOP candidates in the state.”

I expect some still don’t think DeWine is vulnerable, but with abysmal ratings, a disaffected base, strong potential democratic challengers and the NRA openly thinking of campaigning against the race looks more and more competitive.       

[Ben.]

Said all along that Ryan was the strongest candidate, indeed even if Haskett ran he'd probably be acceptable to the NRA from what i recall he's very pro 2nd amendment.

[Ben.]

This is not necessarily surprising, since DeWine has been pretty weak on gun issues all around (to put it mildly).

Of course, this all depends on who the Democrats put up as a candidate in 2006.

If Brown... NRA stays out or even backs DeWine, though little practical help i would expect, Brown probably goes on to lose by a respectable margin.

If Ryan... NRA make positive nosies if he is nominated and attack DeWine while endorsing Ryan, liberal third party candidate makes it close, but with Democrat and NRA money comming in Ryan makes the race very competative and probably wins. 

[Ben.]

This is not necessarily surprising, since DeWine has been pretty weak on gun issues all around (to put it mildly).

Of course, this all depends on who the Democrats put up as a candidate in 2006.

If Brown... NRA stays out or even backs DeWine, though little practical help i would expect, Brown probably goes on to lose by a respectable margin.

If Ryan... NRA make positive nosies if he is nominated and attack DeWine while endorsing Ryan, liberal third party candidate makes it close, but with Democrat and NRA money comming in Ryan makes the race very competative and probably wins. 

Wouldn't it be awesome if option 2 happens?

It would, but I'm afraid we have to wait and see what the Democrats of Ohio decide to do... fingers crossed

[Ben.]

Yes, Ryan could beat DeWine.

You know what this means... we agree