The National Rifle Association (NRA) released an ad Tuesday targeting Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) for his stance on gun control and urging votes to support his opponent in November’s midterm elections.
“They want to take away your Second Amendment. You see what’s going on. I don’t think you want your Second Amendment played with,” President Trump says in footage from a rally featured in the ad. “Joe Manchin always voted for Obama. And I like Joe, but Joe doesn’t vote for us.”
“We must elect Patrick Morrisey, we need him,” Trump adds, endorsing the West Virginia attorney general.
The ad also emphasizes Manchin’s D rating from the NRA.
{mosads}Manchin’s low standing with the NRA is a relatively recent development. The gun-rights advocacy organization endorsed Manchin in 2012.
“Joe Manchin is committed to protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms guaranteed to all Americans,” said chairman of NRA’s Political Victory Fund (PVF) Chris W. Cox at the time.
“His strong dedication and voting record have earned him an ‘A’ rating from the NRA-PVF, and we proudly endorse him for re-election to the U.S. Senate,” he added.
Since 2012, Manchin has slipped lower in the NRA’s esteem as he worked with Sen Pat Toomey (D-Pa.) to expand federal background checks, though their legislation has failed repeatedly in the Senate.