As stated by Fortune magazine, the NRA is the most powerful lobby off all, placing in the top of its list of “Power 25” lobbying groups in recent years. In 2010 alone, the NRA spent approximately $1,265,000 on lobbying government officials, with 91 hired lobbyists, and around 190 bills that were "influenced". Although the contribution numbers are are down in 2010 as far as contribution trends and lobbying totals are concerned, this doesn't mean the NRA has went soft.
The NRA launched a multimillion-dollar campaign ad program for TV, radio, and the mail, to back up chosen pro-gun candidates in House, Senate and governor’s races. The total price of their first-wave campaign ads were recorded at $6.75 million, hitting targeted Senate races like the ones in Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin. The association also tried their luck influencing gubernatorial elections in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, among others. The Association has also received some criticisms, mainly based on their support for some Democratic Congressional candidates as seen in this article. This double-sided support is nothing new for the NRA, and they have consistently endorsed and voted for candidates of both parties that are willing to support gun rights and share NRA views (Harry Reid for example).
In my opinion, I feel that it's a good idea for the NRA to support both major parties (not just the GOP). It is beneficial to the goals of the organization and its members if they focus on both parties, especially if the party in power is not their favorable party, the GOP. As backed up in the article, by supporting both Democrats and Republicans it ensures that sudden shifts in power do not jeopardize the rights of gun owners. This strategy has worked for NRA for many decades, and it seems to be the logical way to aim its resources.
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