While Michael Bloomberg batted about 50/50 on prominent endorsements and Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly’s efforts were decimated, the NRA received a “95 percent return rate” on election contributions.
According to CBS News, “The National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund shelled out $12 million on this year’s midterms.” In return, they saw pro-Second Amendment governors like Nathan Deal (R-GA), Paul R. LePage (R-Maine), and Rick Scott (R-FL) stave off challenges from pro-gun control candidates.
Their targeted contributions also helped Republicans expand their majority in the House of Representatives and capture the Senate.
Many of the NRA’s most high profile victories in the Senate came at Bloomberg’s expense. These were the contests in which Bloomberg-endorsed Senators Mark Udall (D-CO) and Kay Hagan (D-NC) were defeated by NRA-backed candidates. Other contests were for open seats, where Bloomberg-backed candidates Michelle Nunn (D-GA) and Bruce Braley (D-IA) lost to NRA-backed candidates.
The NRA’s 95 percent return on campaign investments was bested by a small number of contributors, which included the regionally-based Kentucky Opportunity Coalition. This group spent millions exposing pro-gun control candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) in her bid to upset Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R). The Coalition received 100 percent return on its money.
Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
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