NRA warns members on Democrats

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- The National Rifle Association is warning that Democratic leadership on Capitol Hill "could be one of the most unfriendly" to the NRA.

The organization is unhappy with the voting records of incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other House Democrats, the Washington Post reported, and is serving notice that it will resist attempts to pass new gun laws.

"The new leadership could be one of the most unfriendly to the National Rifle Association," said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam.

However, the Post reported, no gun legislation is expected this year, largely because the NRA can use its political clout to punish Democrats and help elect Republicans. Also, one of the NRA's strongest backers is Rep. John D. Dingell, D-Mich.

The NRA is sending its 4 million members a new pamphlet warning of attempts by Pelosi, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. and others to restrict gun rights, the Post said.

Peter Hamm of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence said the pamphlet appeared aimed at raising funds.

"This is vintage NRA fear tactics from an organization that knows how to use them to energize a base of supporters who have an unhealthy terror that the forces of government will take their guns away," said Hamm.