NRA spending puts Arizona in fifth place

by David Safier

It's a distinction, I guess. Arizona is one of the top 5 states in the amount of spending by the NRA. This includes money spent on political contributions, independent expenditures, electioneering communications and state ballot initiatives.

Here are the top 5 (drum roll, please):

1. Virginia: $979,354
2. Florida: $729,863
3. Texas: $624,021
4. Wisconsin: $161,291
5. Arizona: $149,352

Total NRA spending nationwide on this kind of direct, state-level political spending: $3,425,618.

Some argue the NRA's bark is much louder than its clout, that its support in endorsements and money don't really sway elections, and therefore politicians who don't agree with the NRA should be less concerned about voting against it. If so, I hope pols get the message so they stop rolling over whenever the NRA comes to town packing heat.

(h/t to AZ Blue Meanie for the catch.)