On Thursday morning, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed suit against the National Rifle Association and current and former executives for violating New York charities law, following an investigation that began in April 2019. In addition to seven figure financial payments from former executives named as defendants, the complaint also seeks dissolution, meaning that if the suit is successful, the NRA could be disbanded by the State of New York — a process that would make it very difficult for the organization to rebuild, even in another state.
According to opensecrets.org, the NRA has spent more than $3.1 million supporting Sen. Ernst over the course of her career. In the wake of Thursday’s announcement, reporters should consider asking Sen. Ernst:
- What is Sen. Ernst’s reaction to the allegations against the NRA, including that it is “fraught with fraud and abuse”?
- Does Sen. Ernst believe these allegations raise questions about the judgment or motivations of the people setting the NRA’s policy agenda?
- Does Sen. Ernst believe the NRA’s extreme agenda represents the interests of most Iowa gun owners — even despite polling showing the vast majority of Iowans, including gun owners, support core Iowa gun laws?
A detailed history of the AG’s investigation and the NRA’s other litigation can be found here on NRAWatch.org.
Voter research shows Iowans support stronger gun laws by a 3:1 margin, and 75% of voters consider a candidate’s position on guns “very important” to their vote in 2020. Responses to Thursday’s announcement from Everytown and from Moms Demand Action are available here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to request an interview.
