Michels Campaign Bends Endorsement Truth

A mere three weeks from a key GOP primary, Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels continues to press for every vote in what is likely to be a razor thin margin. Unfortunately, that campaigning apparently involves bending the truth.

In a recently distributed mailer, Michels claims that he has received the endorsement of the NRA-ILA, the legislative affairs arm of the National Rifle Association. With gun rights a major issue in GOP politics, the endorsement would be a major accomplishment.

However, as the image below indicates, Michels, while scoring high, has not yet secured the NRA endorsement.

"The NRA grades and endorsement process is a serious and very intentional review and vetting process," says Annette Olson, an NRA member and volunteer in a post to Facebook Saturday night. "The NRA grades candidates based on their strict parameters. When the NRA says a candidate is endorsed, it means this candidate believes in the Second Amendment." Olson continues.

The Michels campaign has not been free of controversy. Upon announcing that he was running for governor, Wisconsin Right Now raised questions about his residency status and whether he was eligible to run for office in Wisconsin.