The 7 people who should run NRA

It's time again for my annual pronouncement on NRA elections. Actually it's past time, but for some reason I didn't receive a ballot this year. Since the NRA insists on keeping election information and their board of directors shielded from public scrutiny, it is impossible to comment on the elections without first reviewing the rather scant information NRA provides with the official ballot. Since I didn't receive one this year, I have had to collect the information from others who did, thus I'm running a bit late.

For 2015 I am endorsing the following seven candidates:

1. Timothy Knight, Durango, Colorado, is a proven, effective, grass-roots activist who orchestrated the stunning recalls of anti-rights senators in Colorado. He is not an NRA insider and was nominated by petition of the members, not the Nominating Committee.
2. Sean Maloney, Liberty Township, Ohio, is an attorney who has an extensive record of grassroots activism and comes highly recommended by people I trust. Also a petition candidate.
3. Virginia McLemore, Socorro, New Mexico, another petition-only candidate, is an active competitive shooter and youth training volunteer. She has served in leadership in her state association, which I feel has been neglected by NRA in recent years. Rural, western and competitive shooting representation is needed on the Board.
4. Maria Heil, New Freedom, Pennsylvania, was my sole endorsement three years ago, and she has proven herself a worthy pick. I'd like to see her continue on the Board for another term now that she knows the ropes.
5. Robert Viden, Glassboro, New Jersey, has served on the Board off and on for a number of years. He knows how to get things done and does a lot when given the opportunity. I have endorsed Bob in the past. For whatever reason, he tends to come in low in the vote totals, so a little extra support could make all the difference for him.
6. Joseph DeBergalis, West Seneca, New York, has demonstrated much more willingness to communicate with the membership and take action on their behalf than most of the directors. I endorsed him in his first run, and he won handily. When he ran for re-election, I did not consider him to be in jeopardy of losing, so I did not offer an endorsement. That came close to being a big mistake as he barely made the cut that year. This year I don't want to take that chance. I'd like to see Joe continue on the Board.
7. Scott Bach, Newfoundland, New Jersey. Scott is a good friend who is doing yeoman's work deep in enemy territory. Normally Scott comes in high in the voting, but whenever there is more than one candidate from the same state, votes get watered down. With my endorsement of Bob Viden, I want to reinforce support for Scott.

I urge eligible voters to cast ballots marked for only these seven candidates. The fewer candidates you vote for, the more weight your vote carries. For those who want to cast a true "bullet vote," I recommend marking the ballot only for Tim Knight.

TRENDING: Republicans move to replace GOP canvasser who voted to certify Biden win

This endorsement list is not comprehensive and should not be taken as negative toward any other candidate. Most of the candidates nominated – whether by petition or the Nominating Committee – are well qualified and would serve the members well. These seven are the candidates I consider to be both top-tier and at risk of not making the cut. There are other candidates I consider to be top-tier, but who I believe will easily win re-election, and therefore do not need my endorsement. There are a few whom I would not miss if they lost re-election, but they'll easily win regardless of what I say or do, and still others about whom I simply don't know enough to offer an opinion one way or the other.

There are also a very few I would prefer were not on the Board and are not guaranteed a seat. Specifically, John Milius, the movie writer and director who has served on the Board off and on for the past two decades. By all accounts, Mr. Milius is a fun and interesting guy, but in 1997 he bragged in a Washington Post interview about actively lying to fellow Board members during an internal struggle over NRA contracting. I do not believe that conduct should be rewarded.

There are also some disquieting accusations circulating about John Brown, the president of the NFA Trade and Collectors Association. Though Mr. Brown is a neighbor of ours in Virginia, I have never met him. While I can understand the challenges of dealing with the government as a representative of machine-gun collectors and manufacturers, I've yet to hear a credible response from him regarding the accusations, and I was very disappointed with his and NFATCA's handling of the CLEO and Trust issue. I am also uncomfortable with the conflicting interests of NFATCA and NRA. I think the organizations should work closely when appropriate, but do not believe they should intermingle leadership.

Finally, there are also accusations going around about someone I do know fairly well, and for whom I have a great deal of respect: Grover Norquist, the founder of Americans for Tax Reform. While I find the suggestions that Grover supports terrorist organizations ludicrous, I do feel that his loyalties are stronger toward political issues beyond the Second Amendment and that, while his political connections and acumen are valuable to the NRA, it would better serve the organization to have him as a friend on the outside than as a member of the NRA's governing body.

If you are eligible to vote in this election – have been a member for at least five consecutive years or are a Life Member – you should have received a ballot in your February edition of your NRA magazine or directly in the mail. If, like me, you are eligible, but did not receive a ballot, contact NRA and request one. Hopefully mine is on the way.

Media wishing to interview Jeff Knox, please contact [email protected].