The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund's (NRA-PVF) endorsed candidates for statewide office in Virginia -- Bob McDonnell (R) for governor, Ken Cuccinelli (R) for attorney general, and Bill Bolling (R) for lieutenant governor -- won handily in Tuesday's general election. The statewide candidates prevailed with 59 percent, 57 percent, and 58 percent of the vote, respectively. Additionally, 98 percent (58 out of 59) of NRA-PVF-endorsed candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates won their respective races.
"Candidates who support the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen prevailed in up and down ballot races yesterday," said Chris W. Cox, Chairman of NRA-PVF. "These exceptional numbers are an indication of the solid support and influence of the Second Amendment and the NRA on voters."
NRA-PVF actively campaigned across Virginia and other key states to secure the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. In Virginia, Steve Shannon (D), candidate for attorney general, was the only statewide candidate to actively campaign on a gun control platform. He lost by double digits. In New Jersey's gubernatorial race, NRA-PVF urged NRA members and gun owners to vote against 'F'-rated Jon Corzine. He was also defeated.
"We are pleased at the outcome of these important elections and are thankful to NRA members and gun owners who continue to exercise their constitutional freedoms," continued Cox. "NRA is looking forward to working with these newly-elected officials."
NRA's grassroots efforts in Virginia were in full force since the summer and their efforts paid off in spades. Grassroots staff and its Campaign Field Representatives (CFRs) recruited hundreds of new volunteers; registered hundreds of new pro-gun voters; distributed tens of thousands of pieces of candidate literature and stickers, and thousands of signs; visited scores of shops, clubs, and ranges; knocked on tens of thousands of doors; and made tens of thousands of phone calls. Our grassroots field efforts culminated with a VOTE (Virginia On Target Express) Tour, in the final eight days of the campaign, where staff and CFRs toured the state in RVs, hosting rallies and assisting with phone banks and precinct walks.