Paul Babeu Lands NRA Endorsement, Trails Democrat by 7 Points

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, who is making his second run for the U.S. Congress, has just scored the endorsement of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

In response to the endorsement, Babeu, a life-time member of the NRA, stated that while his opponent in the congressional race "wants to erode" basic constitutional protections, he will continue to support the "freedom to bear arms."

While Babeu's "A" rating by the influential gun lobby organization will help with his fundraising efforts, his opponent, Democrat Tom O'Halleran was rated a "?"

According to the NRA, a "?" rating signifies that O'Halleran has not submitted a questionnaire for review.

Here is what the NRA-VF defines “?” to mean:

?:

Refused to answer the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire, often an indication of indifference, if not outright hostility, to gun owners’ and sportsmen’s rights.

The latest Democratic poll conducted in Arizona's 1st congressional district shows that Republican Sheriff Paul Babeu trails Charlie Crist-like Democrat Tom O'Halleran by 7 percentage points among likely voters.

The poll conducted by Global Strategy Group, which some Arizona politicos including Babeu Spokesman Barrett Mason say is skewed in favor of  O'Halleran.

shows that the Democrat has  accomplished a one month 19 point favorable swing with the coveted Independent voter bloc.

Democrats have taken aim at Babeu and  hope that his past will be enough to help O'Halleran win the seat.

Here is what the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Spokesman Tyler Law stated about Babeu:

"Paul Babeu is one of the most scandal-ridden and unqualified candidates in recent memory. From overseeing the inhumane abuse of special needs students at the DeSisto School to misusing public funds as sheriff, Babeu has a very disturbing record that voters are just starting to learn more about. This poll reflects the simple fact that Arizonans don’t want to be represented by someone that they can’t trust."

The state of Massachusetts open and closed an investigation into Babeu and the school for possible abuse and neglect. Babeu was cleared of any wrongdoing.