The National Rifle Association says Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) didn't get an invitation to its annual convention in Nashville this weekend because it could not accommodate all the 2016 GOP presidential hopefuls, Politico reports. Republican insiders say Paul is persona non grata with the Second Amendment advocacy group because of his affiliation with another, more militant gun rights organization, its brash executive director, and his vast direct-mail network focused on hard-core conservative issues. Nine Republican presidential contenders are set to address the NRA's annual convention, which is seen as a signature event for the GOP's base.
Still, Paul maintains an A rating with the group, which acknowledges Paul is “good on Second Amendment issues.” The NRA says he might have been offered a speaking slot had he reached out. The explanation from Paul's camp is that he's busy with campaign events after the official launch on Tuesday in Kentucky. The NRA's snub of Paul is the latest flashpoint in a long power struggle between the group and its rival, the National Association for Gun Rights.