Misplaced Pages

National Association for Gun Rights: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 02:16, 12 March 2013 editNorth8000 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers84,710 edits Status and fundraising← Previous edit Latest revision as of 01:21, 11 December 2024 edit undoInternetArchiveBot (talk | contribs)Bots, Pending changes reviewers5,386,254 edits Rescuing 0 sources and tagging 1 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5) (Pancho507 - 22064 
(260 intermediate revisions by 95 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American gun group}}
{{refimprove|date=November 2012}}
{{unreliable sources|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox Organization
{{use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
|name = National Association for Gun Rights
{{Infobox organization
|image_border = NAGR logo.png
| name = National Association for Gun Rights, Inc.
|caption = NAGR Logo
| image = NAGR logo-en.png
|membership =
| caption = Logo of National Association for Gun Rights
|headquarters = ]
| headquarters = ]
|formation = 2000
<!-- |mission = To educate gun owners about state and federal legislation that affects their gun rights; to assist the growing movement of state-level grassroots gun-rights organizations; and to help organize grassroots lobbying on state and federal legislation.<ref name="990-2014" /> -->| formation = {{start date and age|2000|03|29}}<ref name="corp">{{cite web |url=https://sccefile.scc.virginia.gov/Business/0537656 |title=National Association for Gun Rights, Inc. |publisher=Virginia State Corporation Commission |access-date=April 15, 2016}}</ref>
|leader_title=Board Chairman
| leader_title = ] ]
|leader_name=]
| leader_name = David Warrington<ref name="990-2014">. ''National Association for Gun Rights, Inc.'' ]. December 31, 2014.</ref>
|leader_title2=Executive Vice President
| leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2=]
| leader_name2 = ]<ref name="990-2014" />
|website = <div class=plainlinks></div>}}
| leader_title3 = ]
| leader_name3 = Ryan Flugaur<ref name="Staff">{{cite web |title=Staff |publisher=National Association for Gun Rights |url=https://nationalgunrights.org/about-nagr/staff}}</ref>
| leader_title4 = Vice President
| leader_name4 = Steve Humphery<ref name="Staff"/>
| tax_id = 54-2015951<ref name="990-2014" />
| status = ] ]<ref name="990-2014" />
| employees = 64<ref name="990-2014" />
| employees_year = 2014
| volunteers =
| volunteers_year = 2014
| revenue = $12,451,900<ref name="990-2014" />
| revenue_year = 2014
| expenses = $12,473,252<ref name="990-2014" />
| expenses_year = 2014
| website = {{URL|nationalgunrights.org}}
}}
The '''National Association for Gun Rights''' ('''NAGR''') is a ] ] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schouten |first1=Fredreka |title=Ultra-conservative gun group outspends NRA on lobbying |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/05/02/lobbying-nra-national-association-for-gun-rights/2130047/ |newspaper=USA Today |date=May 2, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502203352/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/05/02/lobbying-nra-national-association-for-gun-rights/2130047 |archive-date= May 2, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Corn |first1=David |title=Cruz Campaign Accuses Paul and Rubio of Wimping Out on Gun Rights After Newtown |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/04/cruz-paul-rubio-gun-rights/ |magazine=Mother Jones |date=April 21, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421204924/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/04/cruz-paul-rubio-gun-rights |archive-date= April 21, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> They maintain an affiliated ] and a ] legal foundation. Officially incorporated in ] on March 29, 2000,<ref name="corp" /> NAGR was founded by ] as a national companion organization to ].<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Conell |first=Vanessa |title=Gun Advocates Open a New Front:Saying NRA Isn't Imaginative, Splinter Groups Seek More Aggressive Tactics |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704508904575192162324152350 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=2010-04-19 |access-date=2013-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328141353/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704508904575192162324152350 |archive-date=March 28, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Richardson |first1=Valerie |title=Colorado gun advocates in firefight over raising magazine limits to 30 rounds |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/20/colorado-gun-advocates-firefight-over-raising-maga/ |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=April 20, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421065234/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/20/colorado-gun-advocates-firefight-over-raising-maga |archive-date= April 21, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> NAGR is a rival to the more moderate ] (NRA) and considers itself to be a more "conservative alternative" to the NRA. The group spends most of its energy focused on lawmakers and moderates who are deemed too compromising on ] issues. This is achieved via direct mail, robocalls and low-cost television ads.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stokols |first1=Eli |title=The truth about the NRA's snub of Rand Paul |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/rand-paul-nra-explains-no-invitation-116818.html |newspaper=Politico |date=April 9, 2015 |access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> The group has gained notoriety for its lobbying tactics and ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Childress |first1=Sarah |title=How the Gun-Rights Lobby Won After Newtown |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/how-the-gun-rights-lobby-won-after-newtown/ |work=Frontline |publisher=PBS |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203105945/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/how-the-gun-rights-lobby-won-after-newtown/ |archive-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Activities==
The '''National Association for Gun Rights''' (NAGR) is a ] non-profit, non-partisan, civil rights organization focusing on issues relating to the ] to the ]. They maintain an affiliated, separated segregated funds (SSF) Federal ], and a ] legal foundation (National Foundation for Gun Rights).
National Association for Gun Rights is opposed to the ] ].<ref>{{cite news|title=EDITORIAL: The U.N. gun grabber |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/may/27/the-un-gun-grabber/ |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> The organization is also opposed to legislative actions on ]s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jervis |first=Jervis |title=Gun control advocates target high-capacity magazines |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-07-31/gun-control-colorado-theater-shooting/56621536/1 |newspaper=USA Today |date=2012-07-31 |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> National Association for Gun Rights opposes efforts led by ] to call a ] to rein in the powers of the federal government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Menges |first1=Bob |title=Response to the National Association for Gun Rights |url=http://www.conventionofstates.com/response_to_the_national_association_for_gun_rights |work=Convention of States |publisher=Citizens for Self-Governance |access-date=March 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329193158/http://www.conventionofstates.com/response_to_the_national_association_for_gun_rights |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


When a vacancy arose in the ] in 2012, NAGR supported ] over State Representative ], who they felt was not sufficiently supportive of Second Amendment rights.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marcus |first1=Peter |title=Rival pro-gun groups' explosive relationship triggers political hits |url=http://coloradostatesman.com/content/993288-rival-pro-gun-groups%3F-explosive-relationship-triggers-political-hits |newspaper=The Colorado Statesman |date=February 3, 2012 |access-date=April 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016041023/http://coloradostatesman.com/content/993288-rival-pro-gun-groups%3F-explosive-relationship-triggers-political-hits |archive-date=October 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== History ==
Headed by ], a long-time gun rights advocate and director of ], the National Association for Gun Rights was formed in 2000 as a grassroots, member-centric organization with a no-compromise, approach to gun rights issues through an aggressive strategy.<ref>{{cite news|last=O'Conell|first=Vanessa|title=Gun Advocates Open a New Front:Saying NRA Isn't Imaginative, Splinter Groups Seek More Aggressive Tactics|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704508904575192162324152350.html?mod=googlewsj|accessdate=2013-11-13|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=2010-04-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Corporate Data Inquiry|url=https://cisiweb.scc.virginia.gov/z_container.aspx|publisher=State Corporation Commission, Commonwealth of Virginia|accessdate=13 November 2012|location=ID 0537656-1}}</ref>


In 2012, National Association for Gun Rights sued the state of ] over state laws that may require the organization to register as a political committee prior to mailing postcards critical of ] ]'s record on gun rights.<ref>{{cite news |last=Youderian |first=Annie |title=Gun-Rights Group Takes Aim at Montana Laws |url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/10/05/51000.htm |publisher=Courthouse News Service |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> According to the IRS, "a section 501(c)(4)... may engage in some political activities, so long as that is not its primary activity."<ref>{{cite web |title=Requirements for Exemption |url=https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Other-Non-Profits/Requirements-for-Exemption |publisher=Internal Revenue Service}}</ref> National Association for Gun Rights' request for a preliminary injunction was denied in October.<ref>{{cite news |title=Judge denies request to bypass disclosure law |url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/judge-denies-request-to-bypass-disclosure-law/article_1df1e676-2445-544c-8bf8-3fbfd548749b.html |newspaper=Billings Gazette |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> Bullock was elected Governor the following month.
The Association's budget for 2011 was approximately $3.5 million.


In March 2015, National Association for Gun Rights was involved in opposing gun control measures in ]. The NAGR campaigned to stop the Vermont state legislature from passing SB 141.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Gun Battle in Vermont |url=http://truenorthreports.com/a-gun-battle-in-vermont |publisher=True North Reports |access-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415095247/http://truenorthreports.com/a-gun-battle-in-vermont |archive-date=April 15, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== Grassroots strategy ==
The organization's formation and growth relies heavily on the financial support of concerned gun owners and activists. The organization approaches law by working on federal legislation and regulation as well as state legislation.


National Association for Gun Rights supports the passage of no-permit ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Memorandum HB 1092 - Priola -2/9/12 |url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2012a/commsumm.nsf/b4a3962433b52fa787256e5f00670a71/3b42ccb9a81cc93f872579a000005922/$FILE/HseJud0209AttachE.pdf |publisher=National Association for Gun Rights |via=Colorado House Judiciary Committee |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hearings on Constitutional Carry and Preemption this Thursday. |url=http://www.nhfc-ontarget.org/2012/01/action-alerts/hearings-on-constitutional-carry-and-preemption-this-thursday/ |publisher=New Hampshire Firearms Coalition, Inc. |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> In April 2015, NAGR supported Kansas bill SB 45, which allows for ].<ref>{{cite web |author=Daniel Xu |date=April 6, 2015 |title=Kansas Governor Signs Constitutional Carry Bill into Law |publisher=Outdoorhub |url=https://www.outdoorhub.com/news/2015/04/06/kansas-governor-signs-constitutional-carry-bill-law/ |access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hdnews.net/news/local/kansas-house-oks-no-permit-carry-law/article_a5da00ae-d3e7-5cc0-b184-7f258d6201ed.html |title=Kansas House OKs no-permit carry law |author=Tim Carpenter |date=March 26, 2015 |newspaper=Hays Daily News |access-date=15 February 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> NAGR representatives were present at the bill signing on April 2.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gov. Sam Brownback to sign bill allowing unlicensed conceal-carry |url=http://cjonline.com/news/2015-04-01/gov-sam-brownback-sign-bill-allowing-unlicensed-conceal-carry#gsc.tab=0 |newspaper=Topeka Capital Journal |access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref>
== Federal goals ==
National Association for Gun Rights claims to be actively engaged in federal lobbying efforts to protect the rights of gun owners. According to their website, amongst their top issues is their opposition to ] “].”


In June 2015, National Association for Gun Rights sent out mailers targeting Republican ], the ]. According to ''The Washington Post'', NAGR's mailer "Portrayed Howell as being friendly to rapists" by depicting a woman cowering before a knife-wielding assailant alongside the text "Speaker Bill Howell thinks you should be left vulnerable to armed thugs and rapists!" Howell had been endorsed by the NRA and said he was a "100 percent supporter of the Second Amendment". Howell described the mailers as "pretty low by even today's political standards".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vozzella |first1=Laura|title=Gun rights group targets Virginia's House speaker with graphic mailer|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/gun-rights-group-portrays-va-house-speaker-as-friend-to-rapists/2015/06/06/50e8e118-0c52-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 6, 2015 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>
The group's opposition to the proposed treaty is outlined in a 2010 '']'' editorial which stated “This U.N. treaty will lead to more gun control in America. ‘After the treaty is approved and it comes into force, you will find out that it has this implication or that implication and it requires the Congress to adopt some measure that restricts ownership of firearms,’ former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John R. Bolton warns. ‘The administration knows it cannot obtain this kind of legislation purely in a domestic context. They will use an international agreement as an excuse to get domestically what they couldn’t otherwise.’”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/may/27/the-un-gun-grabber/|title=The UN Gun Grabber}}</ref>


In 2015, the ] considered amending a 2013 law that limited magazines to 15 rounds. The legislature wanted to increase the limit to 30 rounds. Brown rejected the proposed increase on the grounds that there should be no limit at all. NAGR was criticized for their position, with ] of the libertarian ] calling NAGR head Dudley Brown a "bully".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Caldara |first1=Jon |title=Caldara: Stand up to Dudley Brown's gun-rights bullying |url=http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/16224843-113/caldara-stand-up-to-dudley-browns-gun-rights-bullying# |newspaper=Greeley Tribune |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>
Other recent subjects covered by the group include:


==Disagreement with the National Rifle Association==
* ]”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalgunrights.org/gunrunnners-and-gunwalkers/|title=Gunrunnners and Gunwalkers}}</ref>
{{Conservatism US|expanded=other organizations}}
* Opposition to reauthorization of the ] and offering support for amendments offered by ] (R-KY).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalgunrights.org/rand-paul-fought-to-amend-patriot-act/|title=Rand Paul Fought to Amend Patriot Act }}</ref>
In November 2011, the U.S. House passed legislation that would require states that issue concealed gun permits to recognize similar licenses from other states. The bill was supported by the ] (NRA) which considered it to be a top priority, but opposed by the NAGR on the basis that it could become a "Trojan horse for more gun control".<ref>{{cite news |title=House approves bill making travel easier for gun owners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/us/politics/house-approves-bill-making-travel-easier-for-gun-owners.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 17, 2011 |access-date=April 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117064224/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/us/politics/house-approves-bill-making-travel-easier-for-gun-owners.html |archive-date=November 17, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Lobbying against ]’s ban on private firearm sales<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalgunrights.org/they-call-you-a-terrorist/|title=They Call You A Terrorist}}</ref>
* Opposition to the ] re-importation Ban.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalgunrights.org/m1-rifles-an-update-about-the-obama-scam/|title=M1 Rifles An Update About the Obama Scam}}</ref>
* Opposition to the proposed National Concealed Reciprocity Act suggesting that such a bill is a "Trojan Horse for Gun Control".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalgunrights.org/h-r-822-moves-to-the-senate/|title=HR 822 Moves to the Senate}}</ref>


"As early as March 23 (2013), POLITICO had reported on rumors that the NRA and (Sen. Joe) Manchin were engaged in secret talks over background checks. Two days later, the National Association of Gun Rights sent out a bulletin to its members: “I’ve warned you from the beginning that our gravest danger was an inside-Washington driven deal,” wrote NAGR executive ]. He added that the deal was a “Manchin-NRA compromise bill.” The Gun Owners of America followed suit a week later, urging its members to contact the NRA to voice their opinion. Neither of these groups had even a tenth of the NRA’s membership, or its political power, but they threatened to chip away at the group’s reputation. Whatever NRA HQ’s position on the bill may have been, it was fast getting outflanked by ideologues on the right."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mak |first=Tim |title=The Moment the NRA Decided to Embrace the Culture Wars |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/11/08/national-rifle-association-embraced-culture-wars-519730 |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=POLITICO |date=November 8, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
In July 2012, ] interviewed Luke O'Dell, Director of Political Operations, in relation to proposed legislative actions on "high capacity magazines." "Who determines what 'high-capacity' is?" O'Dell asks. "It's a slippery slope we start walking when we start picking and choosing what rights of the Constitution and Bill of Rights we're going to follow."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jervis|first=Jervis|title=Gun control advocates target high-capacity magazines|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-07-31/gun-control-colorado-theater-shooting/56621536/1|publisher=USA TODAY|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</}}</ref>


In 2013, NAGR spent close to $1.9 million on gun lobbying during the first three months of the year, while the NRA reported spending $700,000 on the same issue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schouten |first1=Fredreka |date=May 2, 2013 |title=Ultra-conservative gun group outspends NRA on lobbying |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/05/02/lobbying-nra-national-association-for-gun-%20rights/2130047/ |access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
Executive Vice President Dudley Brown was also deeply involved in the fight during the Rules Committee meeting at the 2012 Republican Convention in Tampa, Florida. The rules committee voted for an entire set of revised rules, which were " negotiated behind the scenes by Romney’s surrogates..."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hihmann|first=James|title=RNC 2012: Tampa floor fight less likely|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80294.html|publisher=Politico|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> The rules changes were meant to prevent a candidate like ] from winning due to their organization at the convention, rather than by popular vote. Brown was part of the group desperately trying to stop these changes.


The NRA has referred to NAGR leader Dudley Brown as "the ] of the gun movement".<ref name="war" />
== State goals ==
The National Association for Gun Rights works closely with state-level gun rights groups and activists in various states.<ref>{{cite web|title=FAQ: WGO works for gun owners, not politicians.|url=http://wisconsingunowners.org/faq/|publisher=Wisconsin Gun Owners|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Leadership Team|url=http://utahgunowners.org/about-utah-gun-rights-for-utah-gun-owners/our-staff/|publisher=Utah Gun Owners|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> Working with Wyoming Gun Owners, the organization focused a great deal of effort on the Wyoming legislature in order to lobby for no-permit needed Constitutional Carry there, which was signed into law on March 2. 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Big win for a first step toward restoring freedom|url=http://wyominggunowners.org/big-win-for-a-first-step-toward-restoring-freedom/|publisher=Wyoming Gun Owners|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=One small step for Wyoming, one giant leap for gun rights|url=http://gothunts.com/one-small-step-for-wyoming-one-giant-leap-for-gun-rights/|publisher=NAGR via Outdoors International|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> They also utilized their relationship with Iowa Gun Owners during the 2011 ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Haberman|first=Maggie|title=Pro-gun group says it wants Perry answers|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61487.html|publisher=Politico|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref>


NAGR has pointed out the NRA's financial and verbal support of gun control champions such as Nevada Senator Harry Reid as an indication of just how misguided their efforts are.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NRA's Wayne LaPierre praising Democrat Harry Reid - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHWJJtSXQNg&feature=youtu.be|access-date=2020-07-22|website=www.youtube.com| date=February 7, 2013 }}</ref>
In a recent change of leadership in the Colorado State Legislature, NAGR was influential in supporting a pro-gun Senator to take the place of one they felt was not supportive of Second Amendment rights. The state senator whose loyalty to the Second Amendment was called into question called Dudley Brown, NAGR's Executive Director, "the most dangerous man in Republican politics."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://coloradostatesman.com/content/993288-rival-pro-gun-groups%3F-explosive-relationship-triggers-political-hits|title=Rivals}}</ref>


'']'' described NAGR as "The much leaner, more pugnacious version of the NRA. Where the NRA has looked to find some common ground with gun reform advocates and at least appear to be reasonable, NAGR has been the unapologetic champion of opening up gun laws even more."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/republican-gun-bill-died-congress_n_579fa095e4b0e2e15eb6baba|title=How Republican Gun Legislation Died In Congress|last=Fuller|first=Matt|date=2016-08-01|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref>
The top state-level priority of the National Association for Gun Rights is to pass no-permit needed ]. Constitutional Carry is the right to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Executive Director Dudley Brown believes strongly that “if you don’t need a permit to exercise your First Amendment rights, why should you need one for the Second Amendment?”<ref>{{cite web|title=Memorandum HB 1092 - Priola -2/9/12|url=http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2012a/commsumm.nsf/b4a3962433b52fa787256e5f00670a71/3b42ccb9a81cc93f872579a000005922/$FILE/HseJud0209AttachE.pdf|work=House Judciary Committee Testamony / Handouts|publisher=National Association for Gun Rights via Colorado|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hearings on Constitutional Carry and Preemption this Thursday.|url=http://www.nhfc-ontarget.org/2012/01/action-alerts/hearings-on-constitutional-carry-and-preemption-this-thursday/|publisher=New Hampshire Firearms Coalition, Inc|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref>


In a 2019 ] article, NAGR president Dudley Brown described the differences between his organization and the NRA "As an organization, we don’t use Gucci-loafered lobbyists in Washington, D.C. in $200,000 wardrobes to grease the palms of weak-kneed politicians to vote right,” said Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights, referencing the NRA chief executive’s purported lavish spending. “Instead, we activate our members to do that lobbying for us and for them. That’s the power in a grassroots lobby and NRA lost that a long time ago.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/18/nra-gun-lobbyist-1466701|title=Rival gun groups look to fill the NRA's void|last1=Levine|first1=Marianne|last2=Arkin|first2=James|website=POLITICO|date=August 18, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref>
In 2012 the National Association for Gun Rights sued the state of ] over state laws that may require the organization to register as a political committee and meet ‘onerous burdens imposed upon such committees’ prior to mailing postcards critical of Montana Attorney General ]’s record on gun rights.<ref>{{cite news|last=Youderian|first=Annie|title=Gun-Rights Group Takes Aim at Montana Laws|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/10/05/51000.htm|accessdate=2012-11-13|newspaper=Courthouse News Service}}</ref> According to the IRS, “a section 501(c)(4)… may engage in some political activities, so long as that is not its primary activity.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Requirements for Exemption|url=http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Other-Non-Profits/Requirements-for-Exemption|publisher=Internal Revenue Service}}</ref> Bullock was a candidate for Governor. NAGR’s request for a preliminary injunction was denied in October.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judge denies request to bypass disclosure law|url=http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/judge-denies-request-to-bypass-disclosure-law/article_1df1e676-2445-544c-8bf8-3fbfd548749b.html|publisher=Billings Gazette|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> Bullock was elected Governor the following month.


Dudley Brown is listed as the second most influential pro-gun advocate in America in Gunpowder Magazine's "Top 20 Most Influential Pro-Gun Advocates" article published in May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=GPM |title=Top 20 Most Influential Pro-Gun Advocates |url=https://gunpowdermagazine.com/top-20-most-influential-pro-gun-advocates/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Gunpowder Magazine |language=en}}</ref>
==Status and fundraising==


== National Foundation for Gun Rights ==
With a March 2013 fundraising letter authored by Senator Rand Paul, The National Association for Gun Rights Inc. described itself as a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)4 advocacy organization, and that contributions or gifts to it are not tax deductable for IRS purposes.
The National Foundation for Gun Rights stated goals are twofold: "To enforce and expand pro-gun precedents issued by the courts by challenging unconstitutional laws, and seeking to enforce pro-gun statutes." And "To defend gun owners in the courts to ensure that law-abiding citizens who have had their rights violated by bureaucrats, or overzealous law enforcement, are protected."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gunrightsfoundation.org/about-us/|title = About Us}}</ref>


Through its foundation, National Association for Gun Rights filed a lawsuit against the ], ''Bonidy v. USPS'' for prohibiting the carrying of firearms on Postal Service property.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 28, 2011 |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/11/28/Suit-over-Postal-Service-gun-ban-proceeds/UPI-23271322523497/ |title=Suit over Postal Service gun ban proceeds |publisher=United Press International}}</ref> The 10th circuit ruled in favor of the gun ban, and the Supreme Court refused to consider the case, by denying a ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.californiarighttocarry.org/?page_id=1646 |title=Bonidy v USPS 13-1391 (Bonidy Appeal) 10th Circuit – CERT DENIED |publisher=California Right To Carry |access-date=2016-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329191103/http://blog.californiarighttocarry.org/?page_id=1646 |archive-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
== Survey program ==
As a non-profit organization, the National Association for Gun Rights does not endorse candidates. However, NAGR runs a survey program that works to let its members know where each candidate stands on the issue of gun rights.


During the '']'' Supreme Court case, an ''amicus brief'' filed by NAGR was cited by the court prior to the victory for gun owners.<ref>{{cite SSRN |author=James M. Manley |author2=Steven J. Lechner |date=November 23, 2009 |ssrn=1684688 |title=Amicus Brief in McDonald v. Chicago: On Behalf of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and National Association for Gun Rights}}</ref>
This survey is written to cover specific questions related to Second Amendment issues and is sent to candidates of all parties seeking election.


The National Association for Gun Rights' legal arm, the National Foundation for Gun Rights, donated over $50,000 to benefit ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Deese|first=Kaelan|date=2020-09-18|title=Gun rights group raises $50,000 for teen charged in deadly Kenosha shooting|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/517045-gun-rights-group-raises-50000-for-teen-charged-in-deadly-kenosha|access-date=2020-09-30|website=TheHill|language=en}}</ref>
==Place amongst other organizations in the gun rights debate==


After the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse, the National Foundation for Gun Rights released this statement, "When we saw the video evidence of Kyle defending himself and others in Kenosha, WI, NFGR made the decision to support him right away, and we're thrilled to see that he is now a free man," NFGR Executive Director Dudley Brown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/kyle-rittenhouse-awarded-ar-15-defense-gun-rights-following-acquittal-1651656|title=Kyle Rittenhouse awarded AR-15 for "defense of gun rights" following acquittal|website=]|date=November 20, 2021}}</ref>
In November 2011 the US House passed legislation "that would require states that issue concealed gun permits to recognize similar licenses from other states." <ref name =NewYorkTimes/> The bill was supported by ] who considered it to be a top priority, and opposed by the National Association for Gun Rights on the basis that it could become a "Trojan horse for more gun control".<ref name = NewYorkTimes>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/us/politics/house-approves-bill-making-travel-easier-for-gun-owners.html ''House Approves Bill Making Travel Easier for Gun Owners'' New York Times, by Bloomberg News November 17th, 2011 Retrieved December 3rd, 2012</ref>


The foundation sent $10,000 to the legal team of Theresa Imani Bragg. Bragg, a single mother raising four children, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her ex-boyfriend, John Laverette. Foundation Executive Director Dudley Brown said about the incident, “This is exactly who the Second Amendment is for – a single mom in a crime-ridden city with an abusive ex breathing down her neck. The Second Amendment exists so that when that gangbanger ex bursts through her door and threatens her life, she has options — she doesn’t have to die.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsherald.com/2021/07/14/national-gun-rights-group-backs-river-rouge-mom-in-shooting/|title = National gun rights group backs River Rouge mom in shooting|date = July 14, 2021}}</ref>
Luke O'Dell, spokesperson for the National Association for Gun Rights was interviewed for a USA Today story after the 2012 Colorado movie theater shooting, "Gun rights vs. gun control: Nation is again squaring off". He said that the shootings, and the threat of greater gun control stemming from them are driving people into gun stores and that gun owners are also filling up training courses in Colorado. "People take their self-defense seriously in Colorado," he said. "A tragedy like the murders in Aurora is often a catalyst to reminding people they need to be looking out for themselves." <ref name = "USAToday">http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2012-07-25-aurora-guns-graphic_ST_U.htm ''Gun rights vs. gun control: Nation is again squaring off'' By Rick Jervis and John McAuliff, USA TODAY July 25, 2012 Retrieved December 3, 2012</ref>


NFGR sent San Jose California Mayor Sam Liccardo and city council members a cease-and-desist letter dated July 14, 2021. The letter calls out city leaders for their discussions about creating a citywide ordinance mandating gun liability insurance and an annual fee on gun owners. "The foundation maintains the city would violate the Second Amendment by imposing a tax on “a select group of law-abiding citizens” exercising their right to keep and bear arms."<ref name="sanjoseinside.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sanjoseinside.com/news/national-gun-rights-group-threatens-to-sue-san-jose-over-proposed-gun-ordinance/|title = National Gun Rights Group Threatens to Sue San Jose over Proposed Gun Ordinance|date = July 15, 2021}}</ref>
== National Foundation for Gun Rights ==

Through its Foundation, the National Association for Gun Rights, filed a suit against the ] for prohibiting the carry of firearms on Postal Service property.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/11/28/Suit-over-Postal-Service-gun-ban-proceeds/UPI-23271322523497/|title=Suit over Postal Service gun ban proceeds}}</ref>
"Executive Director Dudley Brown called the ordinance a “full-frontal assault” on gun owners “by the gun control zealots running the city of San Jose.” The foundation sees the ordinance as unfair to law-abiding citizens, Brown said."<ref name="sanjoseinside.com"/>

On January 25, 2022 the San Jose California city council voted to "adopt a first-in-the-nation ordinance requiring most gun owners to pay a fee and carry liability insurance." "We've opposed this ordinance every step of the way and we will see this through to the end," Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights and executive director of the National Foundation for Gun Rights, told CNN in a statement before the vote.<ref name="Cheri Mossburg and Amir Vera">{{Cite web|author=Cheri Mossburg and Amir Vera|title=This Silicon Valley city just voted to institute first-in-the-nation gun ownership requirements|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/26/us/san-jose-gun-law-wednesday/index.html|access-date=2022-02-10|website=CNN|date=January 26, 2022 }}</ref>

Also in response to the proposed San Jose legislation, policy director Hannah Hill defined the organization's stance on the origin of the right to bear arms. Hill asserted that the right is "God-given" and the ordnance would be unconstitutional.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/10/18/san-jose-gun-owners-to-be-fined-up-to-1000-for-breaking-new-firearm-law/|title=San Jose gun owners to be fined up to $1,000 for breaking new firearm law|date=October 8, 2022}}</ref>

"If the San Jose City Council actually votes to impose this ridiculous tax on the Constitutional right to gun ownership, our message is clear and simple: see you in court," Brown said.<ref name="Cheri Mossburg and Amir Vera"/>

The National Foundation for Gun Rights filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on July 20, 2021 challenging New York’s permit laws, which prohibit concealed carry without a permit – but deny permits unless the applicant can demonstrate a “special” need to carry a gun (which does not include a general desire for self-defense, according to state courts). As a result, ordinary citizens are functionally prohibited from exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gunrightsfoundation.org/news/just-filed-amicus-brief-in-supreme-court-gun-case/|title=JUST FILED: Amicus brief in Supreme Court gun case|date=July 20, 2021}}</ref>

NFGR’s amicus brief argues that the Second Amendment is NOT a second-class right — as state legislatures, lower federal courts, and even the Supreme Court itself have treated it — and that the right to public carry is protected by the Second Amendment as understood by the Founders.<ref>https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-843/184388/20210720141550746_20-843%20tsac%20NFGR.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

==Political action committee==
The National Association for Gun Rights PAC (NAGR-PAC) is an affiliated ] registered with the ]. Founded in 2010, it endorsed and donated to several candidates for federal office, including ] (R-GA), ] (R-CO),<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sandoval |first=Michael |title=NRA Set to Endorse Democrat Markey (CO-4) |magazine=National Review Online |date=September 16, 2010 |url=http://www.nationalreview.com/battle10/245881/nra-set-endorse-democrat-markey-co-4-michael-sandoval |access-date=March 28, 2013}}</ref> ], ], and ] (R-KY).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/com_supopp/C00481200/ |title=Committees And Candidates Supported/Opposed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023092522/http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/com_supopp/C00481200/|archive-date=2015-10-23}}</ref>
In the 2012 election cycle, NAGR-PAC endorsed ], who defeated ] for the Republican ] nomination in Indiana, with an initial contribution of $4,500 to his campaign;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120202/NEWS0502/202020362/Reports-show-where-money-going-congressional-races |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |title=Report shows where the money is going in Congressional races |date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=April 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Editing National Association for Gun Rights Inc PAC |url=http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00481200 |publisher=Federal Election Commission |access-date=2012-11-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002122/http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00481200 |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> ], who ran a successful campaign for Montana's at-large seat in the ];<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Contributors, 2012 Race: Montana District 01 |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=MT01 |publisher=] |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> and ] who ran a successful campaign for ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Contributors, 2012 Race: Texas District 36 |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=TX36 |publisher=] |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> NAGR-PAC spent $83,312 in election-related expenses during the 2012 election cycle.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Assn for Gun Rights Expenditures |url=http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00481200&cycle=2012 |publisher=] |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref>

NAGR hired its first federal lobbyist in response to the ] that occurred in December 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Choma |first1=Russ |title=No-Compromise Gun Group Drives Lobbying |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2013/05/no-compromise-gun-group-drives-lobb/ |publisher=] |date=May 2, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>

In the 2014 election cycle, NAGR's endorsements included ] (R-MS), ] (R-CO), ] (R-AK) and ] (R-OH).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=D. |title=NAGR: These 12 men will protect your gun rights |url=http://bearingarms.com/nagr-these-12-men-will-protect-your-gun-rights/ |publisher=Bearing Arms |date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>

NAGR sent out mailers in the 2016 Texas state legislative primary season that "walked a fine line under new and still untested state ethics law", according to the ''Houston Chronicle''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saleh Rauf |first1=David |title=Sham issues ads or advocacy? |url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/local/article/Sham-issues-ads-or-advocacy-6883717.php?t=dd6967d70b438d9cbb |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=March 10, 2016 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>

In October 2021 NAGR PAC endorsed Ohio Candidate ] in the 2022 U.S. Senate Race.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 11, 2021|title=NAGR PAC Endorses Josh Mandel|url=https://twitter.com/NatlGunRights/status/1447593016986898433|access-date=October 13, 2021|website=Twitter}}</ref>

==Reception==
In August 2013, National Association for Gun Rights and Dudley Brown were profiled in a '']'' magazine story. According to the article, Brown "savagely and routinely attacks candidates and officeholders unwilling to pledge, in writing, their absolute loyalty to Brown on Second Amendment issues". NAGR was described as a "fund-raising machine that bullies anyone who compromises Brown's pro-gun, anti-abortion, anti-gay agenda." Former Colorado Republican State Representative ] said Brown "is a political terrorist and a modern-day charlatan who operates in the shadows and portrays himself as a supposed 'Christian,' but he uses the people naive enough to believe him and financially support him".<ref name="war">{{cite magazine |last1=Stokols |first1=Eli |title=Dudley Brown's War |url=http://www.5280.com/magazine/2013/08/Dudley-browns-war?page=full |magazine=5280 |date=August 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>

'']'' magazine included NAGR on a list of "7 Gun Groups That Make the NRA Look Reasonable".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Suebsaeng |first1=Asawin |title=7 Gun Groups That Make the NRA Look Reasonable |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/01/gun-appreciation-day-groups |magazine=Mother Jones |date=January 19, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>


In 2013, ], in a piece called "Gun Rights Group's Aim Is Way Off", found that NAGR "is going after three congressmen with 'A' ratings from the National Rifle Association by falsely claiming they support President Obama's gun control agenda".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Farley |first1=Robert |title=Gun Rights Group's Aim Is Way Off|url=http://www.factcheck.org/2013/04/gun-rights-groups-aim-is-way-off/ |publisher=FactCheck.org |date=April 5, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>
In addition, during the '']'' Supreme Court case, an ''amicus brief'' filed by the National Association for Gun Rights was cited by the court prior to the victory for gun owners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1684688|title=Amicus Brief in McDonald v. Chicago: On Behalf of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and National Association for Gun Rights}}</ref>


National Association for Gun Rights has been criticized for its fundraising practices. Former Republican Colorado Governor ] said Brown "makes his money when there's turmoil, real or perceived, because that's what gets his members to write him checks". ''Ammoland'' wrote that Brown's "rhetoric has done more to marginalize Second Amendment activism than all of the slanders from gun prohibition lobbying groups combined".<ref>{{cite news |title=Dudley Brown & NAGR's Despicable Deception |url=http://www.ammoland.com/2014/05/dudley-browns-despicable-deception/\ |publisher=Ammoland |date=May 21, 2014 |access-date=March 31, 2016}}</ref>
In early 2010 NAGR and RMGO threatened legal action against ] over the right of students and faculty to legally carry a concealed firearm on campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/22350314/detail.html|title=Group Threatens To Sue CSU Over Gun Ban}}</ref> CSU rescinded their gun ban in May of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/23465982/detail.html|title=Colorado State Rescinds Campus Gun Ban After Court Ruling}}</ref>


== See also ==
== National Association for Gun Rights PAC (NAGR-PAC) ==
The National Association for Gun Rights PAC (NAGR-PAC) is an affiliated, but Separate Segregated Fund (SSF) Political Action Committee registered with the ]. Founded in 2010, it endorsed and donated to several candidates for Federal office including ] (R-GA), ] (R-CO),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/battle10/245881/nra-set-endorse-democrat-markey-co-4-michael-sandoval|title=NRA Set to Endorse Democrat Markey (CO-4)}}</ref> ] (NV-SEN), ] (CO-SEN), and Sen. ] (R-KY).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/com_supopp/C00481200/|title=Committees And Candidates Supported/Opposed}}</ref>


* ]
NAGR-PAC in the 2012 election cycle endorsed ], who defeated ] for the Republican ] nomination in Indiana, with an initial contribution of $4,500 to his campaign,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120202/NEWS0502/202020362/Reports-show-where-money-going-congressional-races|publisher=IndyStar.com|title=Report shows where the money is going in Congressional races|date=February 1, 2012|accessdate=April 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR GUN RIGHTS INC PAC|url=http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00481200|publisher=Federal Election Comission|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> ], who ran a successful campaign for Montana’s at-large seat in the ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Contributors, 2012 Race: Montana District 01|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=MT01|publisher=OpenSecrets.org|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> ] who ran a successful campaign for ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Contributors, 2012 Race: Texas District 36|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=TX36|publisher=OpenSecrets.org|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> As of the most recent reporting NAGR-PAC spent $83,312 in election-related expenses during the 2012 election cycle.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Assn for Gun Rights Expenditures|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00481200&cycle=2012|publisher=Open Secrets.org|accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|3}} {{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.nationalgunrights.org/}} * {{official website|http://www.nationalgunrights.org}}
*
*
*


{{USgunorgs}} {{USgunorgs}}


] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 01:21, 11 December 2024

American gun group
Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. Please help improve this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed. (August 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

National Association for Gun Rights, Inc.
Logo of National Association for Gun Rights
FormationMarch 29, 2000; 24 years ago (2000-03-29)
Tax ID no. 54-2015951
Legal status501(c)(4) nonprofit organization
HeadquartersLoveland, Colorado
Board ChairmanDavid Warrington
PresidentDudley Brown
Vice PresidentRyan Flugaur
Vice PresidentSteve Humphery
Revenue$12,451,900 (2014)
Expenses$12,473,252 (2014)
Employees64 (2014)
Volunteers(2014)
Websitenationalgunrights.org

The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) is a gun rights advocacy group in the United States. They maintain an affiliated PAC and a nonprofit legal foundation. Officially incorporated in Virginia on March 29, 2000, NAGR was founded by Dudley Brown as a national companion organization to Rocky Mountain Gun Owners. NAGR is a rival to the more moderate National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and considers itself to be a more "conservative alternative" to the NRA. The group spends most of its energy focused on lawmakers and moderates who are deemed too compromising on Second Amendment issues. This is achieved via direct mail, robocalls and low-cost television ads. The group has gained notoriety for its lobbying tactics and attack ads.

Activities

National Association for Gun Rights is opposed to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. The organization is also opposed to legislative actions on high-capacity magazines. National Association for Gun Rights opposes efforts led by Citizens for Self-Governance to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution to rein in the powers of the federal government.

When a vacancy arose in the Colorado State Legislature in 2012, NAGR supported Tim Neville over State Representative Jim Kerr, who they felt was not sufficiently supportive of Second Amendment rights.

In 2012, National Association for Gun Rights sued the state of Montana over state laws that may require the organization to register as a political committee prior to mailing postcards critical of Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock's record on gun rights. According to the IRS, "a section 501(c)(4)... may engage in some political activities, so long as that is not its primary activity." National Association for Gun Rights' request for a preliminary injunction was denied in October. Bullock was elected Governor the following month.

In March 2015, National Association for Gun Rights was involved in opposing gun control measures in Vermont. The NAGR campaigned to stop the Vermont state legislature from passing SB 141.

National Association for Gun Rights supports the passage of no-permit Constitutional carry. In April 2015, NAGR supported Kansas bill SB 45, which allows for Constitutional carry. NAGR representatives were present at the bill signing on April 2.

In June 2015, National Association for Gun Rights sent out mailers targeting Republican William J. Howell, the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. According to The Washington Post, NAGR's mailer "Portrayed Howell as being friendly to rapists" by depicting a woman cowering before a knife-wielding assailant alongside the text "Speaker Bill Howell thinks you should be left vulnerable to armed thugs and rapists!" Howell had been endorsed by the NRA and said he was a "100 percent supporter of the Second Amendment". Howell described the mailers as "pretty low by even today's political standards".

In 2015, the Colorado State Legislature considered amending a 2013 law that limited magazines to 15 rounds. The legislature wanted to increase the limit to 30 rounds. Brown rejected the proposed increase on the grounds that there should be no limit at all. NAGR was criticized for their position, with Jon Caldara of the libertarian Independence Institute calling NAGR head Dudley Brown a "bully".

Disagreement with the National Rifle Association

This article is part of a series on
Conservatism
in the United States
Schools
Principles
History
Intellectuals
Politicians
Jurists
Commentators
Activists
Literature
Concerns
PartiesActive

Defunct

Think tanks
Media

Newspapers

Journals

TV channels

Websites

Other

Other organizations

Economics

Gun rights

Identity politics

Nativist

Religion

Watchdog groups

Youth/student groups

Miscellaneous

Other

Movements
Related

In November 2011, the U.S. House passed legislation that would require states that issue concealed gun permits to recognize similar licenses from other states. The bill was supported by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) which considered it to be a top priority, but opposed by the NAGR on the basis that it could become a "Trojan horse for more gun control".

"As early as March 23 (2013), POLITICO had reported on rumors that the NRA and (Sen. Joe) Manchin were engaged in secret talks over background checks. Two days later, the National Association of Gun Rights sent out a bulletin to its members: “I’ve warned you from the beginning that our gravest danger was an inside-Washington driven deal,” wrote NAGR executive Dudley Brown. He added that the deal was a “Manchin-NRA compromise bill.” The Gun Owners of America followed suit a week later, urging its members to contact the NRA to voice their opinion. Neither of these groups had even a tenth of the NRA’s membership, or its political power, but they threatened to chip away at the group’s reputation. Whatever NRA HQ’s position on the bill may have been, it was fast getting outflanked by ideologues on the right."

In 2013, NAGR spent close to $1.9 million on gun lobbying during the first three months of the year, while the NRA reported spending $700,000 on the same issue.

The NRA has referred to NAGR leader Dudley Brown as "the Al Sharpton of the gun movement".

NAGR has pointed out the NRA's financial and verbal support of gun control champions such as Nevada Senator Harry Reid as an indication of just how misguided their efforts are.

The Huffington Post described NAGR as "The much leaner, more pugnacious version of the NRA. Where the NRA has looked to find some common ground with gun reform advocates and at least appear to be reasonable, NAGR has been the unapologetic champion of opening up gun laws even more."

In a 2019 Politico article, NAGR president Dudley Brown described the differences between his organization and the NRA "As an organization, we don’t use Gucci-loafered lobbyists in Washington, D.C. in $200,000 wardrobes to grease the palms of weak-kneed politicians to vote right,” said Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights, referencing the NRA chief executive’s purported lavish spending. “Instead, we activate our members to do that lobbying for us and for them. That’s the power in a grassroots lobby and NRA lost that a long time ago.”

Dudley Brown is listed as the second most influential pro-gun advocate in America in Gunpowder Magazine's "Top 20 Most Influential Pro-Gun Advocates" article published in May 2023.

National Foundation for Gun Rights

The National Foundation for Gun Rights stated goals are twofold: "To enforce and expand pro-gun precedents issued by the courts by challenging unconstitutional laws, and seeking to enforce pro-gun statutes." And "To defend gun owners in the courts to ensure that law-abiding citizens who have had their rights violated by bureaucrats, or overzealous law enforcement, are protected."

Through its foundation, National Association for Gun Rights filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service, Bonidy v. USPS for prohibiting the carrying of firearms on Postal Service property. The 10th circuit ruled in favor of the gun ban, and the Supreme Court refused to consider the case, by denying a writ of certiorari.

During the McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court case, an amicus brief filed by NAGR was cited by the court prior to the victory for gun owners.

The National Association for Gun Rights' legal arm, the National Foundation for Gun Rights, donated over $50,000 to benefit Kyle Rittenhouse.

After the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse, the National Foundation for Gun Rights released this statement, "When we saw the video evidence of Kyle defending himself and others in Kenosha, WI, NFGR made the decision to support him right away, and we're thrilled to see that he is now a free man," NFGR Executive Director Dudley Brown.

The foundation sent $10,000 to the legal team of Theresa Imani Bragg. Bragg, a single mother raising four children, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her ex-boyfriend, John Laverette. Foundation Executive Director Dudley Brown said about the incident, “This is exactly who the Second Amendment is for – a single mom in a crime-ridden city with an abusive ex breathing down her neck. The Second Amendment exists so that when that gangbanger ex bursts through her door and threatens her life, she has options — she doesn’t have to die.”

NFGR sent San Jose California Mayor Sam Liccardo and city council members a cease-and-desist letter dated July 14, 2021. The letter calls out city leaders for their discussions about creating a citywide ordinance mandating gun liability insurance and an annual fee on gun owners. "The foundation maintains the city would violate the Second Amendment by imposing a tax on “a select group of law-abiding citizens” exercising their right to keep and bear arms."

"Executive Director Dudley Brown called the ordinance a “full-frontal assault” on gun owners “by the gun control zealots running the city of San Jose.” The foundation sees the ordinance as unfair to law-abiding citizens, Brown said."

On January 25, 2022 the San Jose California city council voted to "adopt a first-in-the-nation ordinance requiring most gun owners to pay a fee and carry liability insurance." "We've opposed this ordinance every step of the way and we will see this through to the end," Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights and executive director of the National Foundation for Gun Rights, told CNN in a statement before the vote.

Also in response to the proposed San Jose legislation, policy director Hannah Hill defined the organization's stance on the origin of the right to bear arms. Hill asserted that the right is "God-given" and the ordnance would be unconstitutional.

"If the San Jose City Council actually votes to impose this ridiculous tax on the Constitutional right to gun ownership, our message is clear and simple: see you in court," Brown said.

The National Foundation for Gun Rights filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on July 20, 2021 challenging New York’s permit laws, which prohibit concealed carry without a permit – but deny permits unless the applicant can demonstrate a “special” need to carry a gun (which does not include a general desire for self-defense, according to state courts). As a result, ordinary citizens are functionally prohibited from exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

NFGR’s amicus brief argues that the Second Amendment is NOT a second-class right — as state legislatures, lower federal courts, and even the Supreme Court itself have treated it — and that the right to public carry is protected by the Second Amendment as understood by the Founders.

Political action committee

The National Association for Gun Rights PAC (NAGR-PAC) is an affiliated political action committee registered with the Federal Election Commission. Founded in 2010, it endorsed and donated to several candidates for federal office, including Paul Broun (R-GA), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Sharron Angle, Ken Buck, and Rand Paul (R-KY). In the 2012 election cycle, NAGR-PAC endorsed Richard Mourdock, who defeated Dick Lugar for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Indiana, with an initial contribution of $4,500 to his campaign; Steve Daines, who ran a successful campaign for Montana's at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives; and Steve Stockman who ran a successful campaign for Texas's 36th congressional district. NAGR-PAC spent $83,312 in election-related expenses during the 2012 election cycle.

NAGR hired its first federal lobbyist in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred in December 2012.

In the 2014 election cycle, NAGR's endorsements included Chris McDaniel (R-MS), Scott Renfroe (R-CO), Joe Miller (R-AK) and Mike Turner (R-OH).

NAGR sent out mailers in the 2016 Texas state legislative primary season that "walked a fine line under new and still untested state ethics law", according to the Houston Chronicle.

In October 2021 NAGR PAC endorsed Ohio Candidate Josh Mandel in the 2022 U.S. Senate Race.

Reception

In August 2013, National Association for Gun Rights and Dudley Brown were profiled in a 5280 magazine story. According to the article, Brown "savagely and routinely attacks candidates and officeholders unwilling to pledge, in writing, their absolute loyalty to Brown on Second Amendment issues". NAGR was described as a "fund-raising machine that bullies anyone who compromises Brown's pro-gun, anti-abortion, anti-gay agenda." Former Colorado Republican State Representative B.J. Nikkel said Brown "is a political terrorist and a modern-day charlatan who operates in the shadows and portrays himself as a supposed 'Christian,' but he uses the people naive enough to believe him and financially support him".

Mother Jones magazine included NAGR on a list of "7 Gun Groups That Make the NRA Look Reasonable".

In 2013, FactCheck.org, in a piece called "Gun Rights Group's Aim Is Way Off", found that NAGR "is going after three congressmen with 'A' ratings from the National Rifle Association by falsely claiming they support President Obama's gun control agenda".

National Association for Gun Rights has been criticized for its fundraising practices. Former Republican Colorado Governor Bill Owens said Brown "makes his money when there's turmoil, real or perceived, because that's what gets his members to write him checks". Ammoland wrote that Brown's "rhetoric has done more to marginalize Second Amendment activism than all of the slanders from gun prohibition lobbying groups combined".

See also

References

  1. ^ "National Association for Gun Rights, Inc". Virginia State Corporation Commission. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  2. ^ "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". National Association for Gun Rights, Inc. Guidestar. December 31, 2014.
  3. ^ "Staff". National Association for Gun Rights.
  4. Schouten, Fredreka (May 2, 2013). "Ultra-conservative gun group outspends NRA on lobbying". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 2, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  5. Corn, David (April 21, 2015). "Cruz Campaign Accuses Paul and Rubio of Wimping Out on Gun Rights After Newtown". Mother Jones. Archived from the original on April 21, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  6. O'Conell, Vanessa (April 19, 2010). "Gun Advocates Open a New Front:Saying NRA Isn't Imaginative, Splinter Groups Seek More Aggressive Tactics". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on March 28, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
  7. Richardson, Valerie (April 20, 2015). "Colorado gun advocates in firefight over raising magazine limits to 30 rounds". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on April 21, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  8. Stokols, Eli (April 9, 2015). "The truth about the NRA's snub of Rand Paul". Politico. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  9. Childress, Sarah (December 10, 2013). "How the Gun-Rights Lobby Won After Newtown". Frontline. PBS. Archived from the original on December 3, 2015. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  10. "EDITORIAL: The U.N. gun grabber". The Washington Times. May 27, 2010. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  11. Jervis, Jervis (July 31, 2012). "Gun control advocates target high-capacity magazines". USA Today. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  12. Menges, Bob. "Response to the National Association for Gun Rights". Convention of States. Citizens for Self-Governance. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  13. Marcus, Peter (February 3, 2012). "Rival pro-gun groups' explosive relationship triggers political hits". The Colorado Statesman. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  14. Youderian, Annie. "Gun-Rights Group Takes Aim at Montana Laws". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  15. "Requirements for Exemption". Internal Revenue Service.
  16. "Judge denies request to bypass disclosure law". Billings Gazette. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  17. "A Gun Battle in Vermont". True North Reports. Archived from the original on April 15, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  18. "Memorandum HB 1092 - Priola -2/9/12" (PDF). National Association for Gun Rights. Retrieved November 13, 2012 – via Colorado House Judiciary Committee.
  19. "Hearings on Constitutional Carry and Preemption this Thursday". New Hampshire Firearms Coalition, Inc. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  20. Daniel Xu (April 6, 2015). "Kansas Governor Signs Constitutional Carry Bill into Law". Outdoorhub. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  21. Tim Carpenter (March 26, 2015). "Kansas House OKs no-permit carry law". Hays Daily News. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  22. "Gov. Sam Brownback to sign bill allowing unlicensed conceal-carry". Topeka Capital Journal. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  23. Vozzella, Laura (June 6, 2015). "Gun rights group targets Virginia's House speaker with graphic mailer". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  24. Caldara, Jon (May 6, 2015). "Caldara: Stand up to Dudley Brown's gun-rights bullying". Greeley Tribune. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  25. "House approves bill making travel easier for gun owners". The New York Times. November 17, 2011. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  26. Mak, Tim (November 8, 2021). "The Moment the NRA Decided to Embrace the Culture Wars". POLITICO. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  27. Schouten, Fredreka (May 2, 2013). "Ultra-conservative gun group outspends NRA on lobbying". USA Today. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  28. ^ Stokols, Eli (August 2013). "Dudley Brown's War". 5280. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  29. "NRA's Wayne LaPierre praising Democrat Harry Reid - YouTube". www.youtube.com. February 7, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  30. Fuller, Matt (August 1, 2016). "How Republican Gun Legislation Died In Congress". HuffPost. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  31. Levine, Marianne; Arkin, James (August 18, 2019). "Rival gun groups look to fill the NRA's void". POLITICO. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  32. GPM. "Top 20 Most Influential Pro-Gun Advocates". Gunpowder Magazine. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  33. "About Us".
  34. "Suit over Postal Service gun ban proceeds". United Press International. November 28, 2011.
  35. "Bonidy v USPS 13-1391 (Bonidy Appeal) 10th Circuit – CERT DENIED". California Right To Carry. Archived from the original on March 29, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  36. James M. Manley; Steven J. Lechner (November 23, 2009). "Amicus Brief in McDonald v. Chicago: On Behalf of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and National Association for Gun Rights". SSRN 1684688.
  37. Deese, Kaelan (September 18, 2020). "Gun rights group raises $50,000 for teen charged in deadly Kenosha shooting". TheHill. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  38. "Kyle Rittenhouse awarded AR-15 for "defense of gun rights" following acquittal". Newsweek. November 20, 2021.
  39. "National gun rights group backs River Rouge mom in shooting". July 14, 2021.
  40. ^ "National Gun Rights Group Threatens to Sue San Jose over Proposed Gun Ordinance". July 15, 2021.
  41. ^ Cheri Mossburg and Amir Vera (January 26, 2022). "This Silicon Valley city just voted to institute first-in-the-nation gun ownership requirements". CNN. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  42. "San Jose gun owners to be fined up to $1,000 for breaking new firearm law". October 8, 2022.
  43. "JUST FILED: Amicus brief in Supreme Court gun case". July 20, 2021.
  44. https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-843/184388/20210720141550746_20-843%20tsac%20NFGR.pdf
  45. Sandoval, Michael (September 16, 2010). "NRA Set to Endorse Democrat Markey (CO-4)". National Review Online. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  46. "Committees And Candidates Supported/Opposed". Archived from the original on October 23, 2015.
  47. "Report shows where the money is going in Congressional races". The Indianapolis Star. February 1, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  48. "Editing National Association for Gun Rights Inc PAC". Federal Election Commission. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  49. "Top Contributors, 2012 Race: Montana District 01". OpenSecrets. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  50. "Top Contributors, 2012 Race: Texas District 36". OpenSecrets. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  51. "National Assn for Gun Rights Expenditures". OpenSecrets. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  52. Choma, Russ (May 2, 2013). "No-Compromise Gun Group Drives Lobbying". OpenSecrets. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  53. Thompson, D. (May 19, 2014). "NAGR: These 12 men will protect your gun rights". Bearing Arms. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  54. Saleh Rauf, David (March 10, 2016). "Sham issues ads or advocacy?". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  55. "NAGR PAC Endorses Josh Mandel". Twitter. October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  56. Suebsaeng, Asawin (January 19, 2013). "7 Gun Groups That Make the NRA Look Reasonable". Mother Jones. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  57. Farley, Robert (April 5, 2013). "Gun Rights Group's Aim Is Way Off". FactCheck.org. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  58. "Dudley Brown & NAGR's Despicable Deception". Ammoland. May 21, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2016.

External links

Gun politics interest groups in the United States
Pro-gun rights
Pro-gun control
Related
Categories: