The NRA was effective for a couple of reasons. Yes part of it was the money they could spread around to the pond scum. But I always felt its biggest strength was the membership. Obviously the numbers are down. The numbers are important. Also of importance is membership dedication to writing/calling their own local Senator/Reps. The last few years they seemed content with just continuing to collect the big checks from the industry folks. They are going to need to do some fence mending with the rank and file.