Craig’s Role In Halting Move Against Terrorism Criticized Minnick Blasts Craig For Ties To National Rifle Association

A congressional anti-terrorism task force’s action has revived interest in Republican Sen. Larry Craig’s ties to the National Rifle Association.

Supported by the NRA, congressional Republicans blocked a Clinton administration attempt to put chemical markers - called taggants - in gunpowder used for explosives so it could be traced.

The NRA contends taggants pose a risk to people who use smokeless or black powder for muzzleloader guns, saying they could make the load unstable.

Craig, a member of the NRA’s board of directors, was co-chairman of the task force. His opponent, Democrat Walt Minnick, calls that a conflict of interest.

Craig is the only member of Congress now sitting on the NRA’s 76-member governing board. He attends three annual NRA board meetings. Craig receives no salary, but his expenses are reimbursed.

The NRA also has contributed about $43,000 to Craig’s campaigns since 1980, the Center for Responsive Politics reports.

Before recessing last month, the House passed an anti-terrorism task force bill that called for an independent study of taggants. But the Clinton administration and Democrats, who wanted stronger steps, blocked the bill in the Senate.

“I can’t think of a higher national priority,” Minnick said. “Larry Craig not only had a conflict, but he decided the wrong way. He went with his NRA cronies.”

Minnick said he would step down from the corporate boards he belongs to if he wins the Senate seat.

Craig said his views on gun control represent the mainstream in a state where NRA membership stands at about 29,000.

“The media has worked overtime trying to make the NRA some kind of radical group,” Craig said. “They happen to be gun owners who feel strongly about the right to bear arms and are willing to organize for the purpose of that advocacy.”

The message from the vote has not registered with many Idahoans, because they remain strongly committed to gun rights or because their attention was distracted by other news last month.

“I’m not sure anyone is paying attention,” said James Weatherby, Boise State University public affairs director.

Gun control advocates say they can go along with a new study, though the NRA has insisted upon a separate congressional vote authorizing the use of taggants later on.

However, advocates on both sides of the issue believe Craig is following his own convictions and not the NRA’s lead.

“Whether he was on or off the board of the NRA, he probably would vote the same way,” said Bob Walker of Handgun Control Inc. and the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence.