NRA’s grassroots clout still formidable with Republicans despite legal setbacks

The House bills to ban assault weapons and require mandatory background checks seem unlikely to pass the Senate

The once all-powerful National Rifle Association is mired in legal and financial woes but its 5 million members still exert hefty grassroots influence with most Republicans as a fresh gun control debate in Congress heats up, say gun experts and NRA veterans.

The NRA's grassroots clout - via the Internet, letters, phone and other tools - coupled with the influence wielded by millions of other gun owners, keep many Republican allies fighting almost reflexively against gun curbs, notwithstanding recent NRA problems including electoral setbacks, staff cuts, drops in member dues revenue and legal threats, according to analysts.