Battle For The Future Of The NRA

It comes as no surprise to anyone that the NRA is under constant fire from the left, as the organization has been at the forefront of protecting gun rights and education since its inception in 1871. In recent years, however, we have seen increased political pressure and a consistently weaponized judicial system used to target the NRA with New York Attorney General Leticia James launching an investigation seeking to put the organization out of business entirely. What has emerged from internal and external investigations have been allegations and findings that certain individuals participated in transactions that ran afoul of NRA policies and procedures, with misappropriation of members’ funds at the top of that list. This has sparked a battle between the old guard, led formerly by ousted CEO Wayne LaPierre, and a group of reformers seeking to revamp the NRA’s image and set the ship back on course. 

One such reformer is Owen “Buz” Mills, the owner of Gunsite Academy, an Arizona-based weapons training facility for members of the armed forces, law enforcement and civilians, and a former gubernatorial candidate in the state. With annual elections for the NRA Board of Directors rapidly approaching, Mills is using his platform to encourage the election of additional reformers to the board, releasing a statement last week asking members to sign petitions in support of a list of reformers he believes will take control of the NRA and bring it back to the members.

Mills provides a link to the round-up of candidates he feels will support the reform movement and asks that you help them get on the ballot. Each candidate endorsed on the page has a bio that he encourages you to read and a petition he asks that you sign and circulate for additional signatures. Getting these reform candidates on the ballot requires 500 signatures of NRA life members (or annual members with 5 continuous years of membership), and all pertinent mailing information is provided to get the petitions to Rocky Marshall, who will need them submitted by September 30th in order to meet the NRA’s deadline. 

NRA Petition Candidates Round-Up

Now would be a great time to ask you, the TTAG audience, how you feel about the NRA’s performance and which gun rights organizations you currently lend your support to. With organizations like Gun Owners of America (GOA), Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) making big moves, how important do you feel it is to give the NRA a facelift and help them continue the fight for your freedom? Or do you trust these other organizations to take on the mantle of defending your rights?