NRA Grades General Assembly Candidates

The National Rifle Association has graded four candidates running for Virginia General Assembly seats in districts that include Fairfax City.

District 34 Senate Race:

• Chap Petersen: C+
• Gerarda Culipher: A-

District 37 House of Delegates Race:

• Brian Schoeneman: AQ
• David Bulova: D

What the grading scale means, according to the NRA:

• A: Solidly pro-gun candidate. A candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues.
• C: A candidate with a mixed record or positions on gun related issues.
• D: An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive gun control legislation and opposes pro-gun reforms. Regardless of public statements, can usually be counted on to vote wrong on key issues.
• AQ: A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate's responses to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.

Here's what the candidates are saying:

• Petersen: "The NRA chose not to endorse in our race.  I think that speaks for itself."
• Culipher: "The NRA grades have highlighted yet another stark contrast between us.  I support your right to protect your family and property through a robust Second Amendment.  While Chap enjoyed the support of the NRA back in 2007, he has betrayed gunowners across the Commonwealth during his four years in the Senate."
• Brian Schoeneman: "I thought (the AQ grade) was appropriate. I’ve been a gun owner for a long time. I've been a supporter of the second amendment for a long time. I firmly believe in personal responsibily...I think most folks that actually follow the laws are responsible gun owners."
• David Bulova: Did not return request for comment.