Back when I was running for office, the Gunowners of America were more supportive of Second Amendment rights than the NRA. Of course, the National Rifle Association has a bigger mailing list and it uses it to send last-minute post cards telling of its endorsement.

I remember being disgusted when the NRA endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan, a candidate who was decidedly in favor of policies the NRA was on record against.

I was told that the NRA never endorsed Third Party candidacies like mine on the Libertarian Party ticket.

I didn’t understand the Illinois State Rifle Association’s logic in 2002. It made no sense to endorse someone who was on record of undercutting gunowners’ rights, but they did it anyway.

In any event, here is the press release sent out by Congressman Joe Walsh:

GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA “PROUD” TO ENDORSE CONGRESSMAN WALSH

Earlier this week, the nation’s second-largest Second Amendment organization announced its endorsement of Congressman Joe Walsh (R-McHenry).

In announcing the endorsement, Gun Owners of America Vice Chairman Tim Macy said, “Congressman Walsh is a leader on Second Amendment issues, plain and simple. When it comes to defending the right to keep and bear arms, Joe Walsh is at the forefront of the battle and was the clear choice in our decision to endorse.”

The Gun Owners of American has been described by Congressman Ron Paul (T-TX) as, “the only no-compromise gun lobby in Washington.”

“During his long tenure as an elected figure, Randy Hultgren has shown little interest in upholding gun rights,” said Macy.

“Walsh, on the other hand, is a true defender of the Second Amendment who in his short time in Congress has already become a leading voice for gun owners all across America.”

Rep. Walsh is a cosponsor of two concealed carry reciprocity bills in the U.S. House, and he recently chided his own state for trampling the gun rights of its citizens.

“We are an embarrassment (in Illinois),” Walsh said.

“We are the last state standing when it comes to concealed carry.”

Although Illinois is the only state that will not benefit from congressional legislation, Walsh hopes that the passage of national reciprocity will spur his state to action.

Recently, the freshman Congressman became the first member of Congress to officially call for Attorney General Eric Holder’s resignation because of the growing Fast and Furious scandal. More than 30 members of Congress have since joined the call for Holder to step down.

“The American people deserve to know the truth regarding Attorney General Eric Holder’s knowledge and role in the Fast and Furious operation,” said Walsh in a statement.

“This program was deliberately designed to attack law-abiding American gun owners and gun dealers. Why else would an anti-gun Administration force licensed firearms dealers to sell guns to violent criminals?”

“Our gun rights frequently come under attack in Washington,” said GOA’s Mr. Macy. “Gun owners and sportsmen around the country have a trusted friend in Congressman Walsh.

“Gun Owners of America is proud to make this endorsement, and we encourage friends of the Second Amendment from Illinois and around the country to stand with Rep. Walsh with their encouragement and financial support as well.”

Congressman Walsh reacted to the endorsement by saying,

“I am pleased to have the support of this wonderful organization and I will continue to be a tireless advocate for the Second Amendment, which I believe to be the most important amendment in the Bill of Rights.”

This endorsement comes on the heels of the congressman receiving

• the Family Research Council’s “True Blue” Award for maintaining a 100% Pro-Family voting record, as well as
• earning a 95% ranking on the Heritage Foundation’s Legislative Scorecard, which recognizes those members of Congress who are “fighting for freedom, opportunity, prosperity and civil society.”