NRA's message at convention: The fight is not over

HOUSTON, May 2 (UPI) -- The National Rifle Association's annual convention in Houston is designed to be a conference about issues and not a victory celebration, its spokesman said.

"The NRA doesn't do pep rallies," said Andrew Arulanandam. "We're engaged in a long battle that will take years. We know it's not over."

The three-day convention, which begins Friday, comes shortly after the NRA's success last month in blocking an attempt in Congress to expand background checks for purchases of firearms. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend, the Houston Chronicle said.

Saturday's membership meeting will feature Wayne LaPierre, NRA National Rife Association executive vice president and chief executive officer, and chief lobbyist Chris Cox. The roster of a leadership forum Friday sponsored by the NRA's lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action, reads like a Who's Who of prominent pro-gun conservatives, the newspaper said.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Texas Republican Gov. Rick Perry, Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania are expected to speak at the forum. A Saturday night "Stand and Fight" rally will feature conservative commentator Glenn Beck.

Gun-control advocates are expected to demonstrate their opposition outside the George R. Brown Convention center during the NRA meeting, the newspaper said.

"I don't think it's a losing battle at all," said Heather Ross, an organizer of an "Occupy the NRA" movement, said. "The concept that we're all a bunch of gun-toting crazies (in Texas) is inaccurate. That's largely pushed by people elected to office."