Grades, not donations, NRA’s biggest influence | News, Sports, Jobs

And, with a new focus on Second Amendment issues monopolizing news cycles these days, the NRA often finds itself being a major part of that discussion.

But, when it comes to legislators in Michigan, an interesting study by the staff at the Michigan Information and Research Service found that the NRA influence does not translate into campaign donations.

In the 2016 House elections in Michigan, MIRS reported the NRA donated only $24,304 to candidates — a small and insignificant amount in today’s world of election PAC money.

While often those opposed to the NRA allege the organization is “buying off” politicians, the evidence is not there to justify that, at least in Michigan. Campaign expenditure reports would suggest there are hundreds of PACS spending more to educate a candidate.

Instead, where the NRA does play a major role, is the grade it assigns to candidates based on information it gathers as to their stand on Second Amendment values. Like many other PACs that also grade candidates, the NRA shares the grade with the public.

And, in a state like Michigan with many hunting enthusiasts, that grade carries a lot of weight.

In the months ahead the Second Amendment and NRA will be the focus of many a news story. As you read, remember the MIRS findings and donations. While many would like to allege the organization buys its influence, the numbers don’t support that point of view.

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