Today, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran announced that he has been endorsed for reelection by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“The Second Amendment is a pillar of freedom upon which our great nation was built,” Senator Cochran said. “My pledge to the people of Mississippi is to continue supporting our gun rights, and to keep fighting any efforts that infringe on our Constitutional right to bear arms. I am honored by the support of the National Rifle Association and I appreciate their support of my campaign.”

Chris Cox, Chairman of the NRA, cited Cochran’s “A+” rating from the organization, stating that highest rating is, “Reserved for legislators not only with an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.”

Cox also noted Senator Cochran’s seniority and influence on the Appropriations Committee as a valuable tool in the fight against the Obama Administration’s gun control agenda:

“You prevented taxpayer funds from being used for gun control and anti-gun studies, while also cutting red tape for law abiding gun owners adversely impacted by arbitrary policies put in place by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms,” said Cox.

Click here to read the full endorsement letter.