As more than a dozen possible 2016 Republican presidential hopefuls take the stage to address the National Rifle Associations Leadership Forum on Friday, one name will notably be missing from the lineup: Sen. Rand Paul. Mr. Paul, a strong gun rights advocate who formally announced his bid for the presidency this week, has not received any formal endorsements or money from the nations largest and most politically potent gun lobby despite his A voting record rating from the NRA.
We did not extend an invitation to Sen. Rand Paul, and he didnt request to be invited, said NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker, blaming the packed lineup and scheduling restraints for Mr. Pauls absence. Mr. Paul and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are two of the only top-tier GOP 2016 hopefuls not speaking at the NRA function. ...