Rand Paul backs group targeting Republicans on gun control

Paul is helping the National Association for Gun Rights raise money, as it targets GOPers like Eric Cantor

Published April 3, 2013 1:29PM (EDT)

Rand Paul is helping the National Association for Gun Rights fundraise, as the group, which finds the NRA too soft on gun control, targets Republicans in their home districts.

Politico reports:

The group has blitzed the districts of Virginia Republicans Cantor and Rep. Scott Rigell with $50,000 worth of TV and radio ads accusing them of helping President Barack Obama pass gun control legislation.

Paul’s email pitches for the group don’t mention Cantor or Rigell by name, but his activity for an organization that attacks fellow Republicans shows the potential 2016 presidential contender isn’t afraid to pick a fight inside the party.

“Rand signs normal, run-of-the-mill activist emails and letters for numerous groups and this is one of them,” Paul's spokesman said. “That’s all he’s ever done for them, he’s not affiliated with the group in any way, he doesn’t control how they decide their activism should take place in terms of who the people are that need to be shored up on an issue.”


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Eric Cantor Gun Control Nra Rand Paul Republicans