Not long ago I randomly met a Libertarian Party staffer in a local drinking establishment who told me that the Barr campaign has high hopes for landing the endorsement of the NRA.

While I think he probably should get it (Barr gets an A+ rating from the group and is an NRA board member, while McCain receives a  C rating), I have doubts that the organization would take the plunge and endorse a third party candidate.  Instead I expect a none of the above endorsement, or a squishy McCain isn’t perfect but he’s better than Obama so we unenthusiastically endorse him.

Gun Owners of America is more likely endorse Barr, but Barr may have competition from Chuck Baldwin the Constitution Party candidate.  Interestingly, an article about McCain (who was most recently rated a F- by GOA) titled “John McCain is a Liberal Gun Grabber” is repreinted on GOA’s website.  The article is written by Chuck Baldwin.

Also of note is what impact the Palin pick will have on the gun rights vote.  Some are speculating that Palin was picked (at least in part) to stop or forestall an NRA endorsement of Barr over McCain. I for one hope that the NRA is not appeased so easily… after all, the VP has little impact on policy, and a political neophyte like Palin (personally I consider that an asset, not a put down) would likely have even less say than usual given McCain’s stubborn reputation.