As a senator, Koster voted to streamline the right-to-carry permit process. And, as attorney general, he has backed gun rights.

Koster also broke with many members of his party to publicly support Senate Bill 656, which would loosen state gun laws. The measure was vetoed by Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, and is expected to be debated during the Sept. 14 veto session.

Jennifer Baker, spokeswoman for the NRA in suburban Washington, said Greitens had made clear in his campaign statements and correspondence to the NRA that he supports the Second Amendment. But she said the organization endorsed Koster because he has a record on the issues as a public official.

“This endorsement is about Koster and his 17-year record,” Baker said. “Eric Greitens has an AQ rating , but it is based upon how he filled out our questionnaire. He hasn’t held public office and has no public record.”

She said the “Q” modifier referred to his A-rated answers on the questionnaire.

Alongside Koster, NRA-PVF also endorsed Mike Parson for lieutenant governor, Josh Hawley for attorney general, Jay Ashcroft for secretary of state and Eric Schmitt for state treasurer. All of those candidates are Republicans.

“On behalf of our 5 million members and Missouri’s law-abiding gun owners, we are proud to endorse strong Second Amendment supporters for statewide offices,” Cox said.

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