Two years after the NRA endorsed GOP Rep. Bill Sali and gave his challenger, Democrat Walt Minnick, a "D+," the powerful gun-rights group says now-Rep. Minnick has cleaned up his act and jumped two full grades. "Very simply, he has been a solid vote on gun issues and he's been supportive of 2nd Amendment issues since he's been elected," said Andrew Arulanandam, the NRA's director of public affairs. The GOP nominee, state Rep. Raul Labrador, earned an "A," but the NRA is staying neutral in the race, said Arulanandam/Dan Popkey, Idaho Statesman. More here.

DFO: I watched (via Spokane TV newscast) that close encounter between the Reagan Republicans & local Demo chief Thom George on the NW Blvd corner Friday night. The funniest part of this tempest in a teapot that Thom had a concealed weapons permit & was packing.]

Question: Is the National Rifle Association wise to stay out of this gun-rights flap between Congressman Walt Minnick & challenger Raul Labrador?