By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Friday, December 11, 2015, US Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) announced that he had received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association for his reelection to a sixth term in the Senate. The endorsement is the third major endorsement Shelby received last week. He also was also endorsed by the Alabama Farmer’s Federation and the Alabama Patriots, one of Alabama’s oldest tea party groups.
NRA President Chris Cox wrote in a letter that Senator Shelby has a lifetime A+ rating from the NRA for his longstanding commitment to protecting the Second Amendment rights of Alabamians and all Americans.
Following the NRA endorsement, Senator Shelby said: “It has been an honor and privilege to work with our country’s oldest and largest defender of Second Amendment rights throughout my tenure in the Senate. Earning and maintaining the trust of the NRA and its members is critical to my ability to serve the people of Alabama. Receiving recognition for my staunch support of the right to keep and bear arms by their board at the annual meeting this year was among one of the proudest moments that I have had as a public servant.”
On Thursday, Sen. Shelby received an endorsement letter from the Alabama Farmers Federation. ALFA President Jimmy Parnell said, “The Alabama Farmers Federation is proud to endorse Richard Shelby for the US Senate. As our State’s Senior Senator, he shares the same conservative values that the farmers and rural Alabamians hold so dear.”
Following the ALFA endorsement, Sen. Shelby said, +I am proud to have the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation. I will always defend our shared values and way of life.”
On Friday the Alabama Patriots announced that Shelby has been endorsed by the group. Commander Danny B. Joyner said, “Now more than ever, Alabama and the United States of America need Senator Shelby’s proven conservative leadership to fight against President Obama’s Democratic party and their assault on our freedoms and on our way of life. Senator Shelby has consistently stood with us and has stood strong to protect the Constitution and to preserve the values we hold dear. He has exhibited true Tea Party values even before there was an organized Tea Party movement.”
Sen. Shelby said, “Not all of the battles that I’ve engaged in Congress with the NRA at my side are high profile. We’ve done so much work over the years to override regulations and prevent rogue administrations like this one from using bureaucracy to create registries of gun owners and harass firearms manufacturers, sportsmen, and gun enthusiasts alike. These efforts don’t always grab headlines, but keep the Second Amendment as strong in practice as it is on parchment.”
President Parnell warned, “Our country is at a critical juncture and Sen. Shelby’s tenure will put him in the best position yet to stand strong during these troubling times. Sen. Shelby has proven time and again he can be trusted to do what is right for Alabama and our nation.”
Commander Joyner said that he believes the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and in California mean Shelby’s return to represent Alabama in DC is an absolute must. Joyner wrote, “We now live under the constant threat of attack and we need a strong leader who is willing to stand up to President Obama and say enough is enough. Senator Shelby has been out front on this issue and has publicly criticized Obama’s ridiculous policies on gun rights, the importation of refugees and the war on terrorism. We need him to stay in DC and to keep standing up for the rights of every Alabamian. We need him to keep doing exactly what he is doing.”
Sen. Shelby said, “The events of recent weeks demonstrate that the President, his Attorney General, Hillary Clinton, and other politicians would rather push their gun control agenda aimed at disarming law-abiding Americans rather than fight or acknowledge the real security issues facing this nation. We need the National Rifle Association and its members now more than ever, and I’m proud to be their partner. As a sportsman, gun owner, and citizen, I’m honored by their endorsement and support.”
Senator Shelby has served the people of Alabama in the US Senate since 1986 and is seeking his sixth term; however he faces a whole host of challengers in this election. Former State Senator Shadrack McGill (R-Jackson County) and political newcomers: John Martin, Jonathan McConnell and Marcus Bowman are all challenging Shelby in the March 1 Republican primary. Democrats Ron Crumpton and Charles Nana are running in the Democratic Primary. The winner of each major party primary will face off in the General Election next November.
