NRA endorses McCain-Palin ticket

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The National Rifle Association Thursday endorsed the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin for U.S. president and vice president.

"John McCain has more than two decades of pro-gun and pro-hunting votes in Congress. He has stood time and again to preserve our Second Amendment freedom and our rich hunting heritage," NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre said in a release, encouraging "gun owners, hunters and anyone who values freedom to vote McCain-Palin on November 4."

McCain, the U.S. senator from Arizona, has supported NRA-backed issues including voting against mandatory waiting periods and bans on hunting ammunition, the NRA said. Alaska Gov. Palin is a hunter, gun owner and NRA life member.