Gun Group Backs Simpson Foe But …

The National Association of Gun Rights PAC, which calls itself America’s fastest-growing gun rights organization, is endorsing Idaho Falls lawyer Bryan Smith’s insurgent challenge to eight-term Idaho GOP Rep. Mike Simpson. “(Smith’s) views on gun rights and rights in general don’t come as lip service to appease a particular single issue group, but from a deeply held core ideology on the Constitution,” said Lucius O’Dell, the group’s director of political affairs. “We are starting to see more and more ideologues running for Congress that understand the importance of strict adherence to our founding principles, and we would like to help that trend continue.” Simpson has been repeatedly endorsed by the bigfooted National Rifle Organization, and given its top ‘A+’ rating, including the nod in the 2012 GOP primary over Smith ally Chick Heileson. Simpson won that race 70 percent to 30 percent, but Smith is drawing substantial support from the GOP’s tea party wing/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: How important, for voting purposes, is a gun organization endorsement of a candidate?