LA Times Writes NRA's Real Power Not Money, But Its Members

While this may be news to those in the media, it's something the pro-rights community has long known.

Much of the group's influence stems from a relentless lobbying effort, in Washington and throughout the country, driven by a staff of 80, and a huge and well-organized grass-roots base. In 2010, it spent nearly $81 million on member communication and mailings. This year, it is running a voter registration drive called Trigger the Vote.

The article noted that the NRA handed out only $1.28 million to candidates in 2010.  Candidates need money to run a race, but they need votes to get elected, and delivering votes from gun owners is something the NRA does very well.