The National Rifle Association on Tuesday endorsed House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who is facing an aggressive primary challenge from conservative activist Paul Nehlen.
The NRA endorsement from Chairman Chris Cox, a former House lawmaker, cited Ryan’s “fearless opposition to President Obama’s numerous attempts to ban lawfully owned firearms, ammunition and magazines.”
Ryan, who is a gun owner and hunter, has refused to bring up legislation that would expand background checks for gun purchases or ban those who are on a federal terror watch list from buying firearms.
Ryan said in a statement he has been a member of the NRA since the age of 12.
Political observers believe Nehlen has little chance of beating Ryan in an August 9 primary, but Nehlen has closed in on Ryan according to polls that shows him trailing the speaker by 11 points. His campaign is based on criticizing Ryan, who has served nine terms, for his stance supporting some immigration reform measures as well as a pending trade deal with Asian nations.
Despite his lead in the polls, Ryan appears to be taking no chances. Just two years ago, then-Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., lost his seat after a successful primary challenge by Tea Party-backed Dave Brat that shocked Capitol Hill.
Pro-Ryan campaign ads have begun airing in the district.
