Vukmir scores NRA endorsement in Republican Senate primary

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican U.S. Senate candidate who displayed her handgun in a television ad has won the endorsement of the National Rifle Association over her GOP opponent who is a former U.S. Marine and gun owner.

State Sen. Leah Vukmir announced the NRA Political Victory Fund endorsement on Tuesday. She faces Kevin Nicholson in the Aug. 14 primary. The winner will advance to take on Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin in November.

The NRA, in its letter of endorsement for Vukmir, says she received the group’s backing and highest rating because of “an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues.”

The NRA cites Vukmir’s co-sponsorship of the bill legalizing concealed weapons and says if elected Vukmir will support nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court who will support 2nd Amendment gun rights.