Sen. Manchin counters NRA with his own gun ad

Catalina Camia | USA TODAY

Sen. Joe Manchin is fighting back at the NRA's criticism of his gun bill with an unusual TV ad declaring his support for the Second Amendment and independence from the powerful group.

"I'm a lifetime NRA member, but I don't walk in lockstep with the NRA's Washington leadership, this administration or any special interest group," Manchin, D-W.Va., says in the spot unveiled Thursday.

"West Virginia, you know me. I haven't changed and you know I've always fought for our gun rights," he continues. "I believe that we can protect the Second Amendment and make the community safer. I think most law-abiding gun owners agree."

Manchin is co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation to expand background checks on gun buyers -- a proposal that died in the Senate this spring. He has tried to revive the bill and is now the target of a six-figure ad campaign led by the National Rifle Association.

The ad is unusual because Manchin is dipping into his campaign funds -- reportedly spending slightly more than $100,000 -- well ahead of his next election. The Democrat won a full term last year and isn't up for re-election until 2018.

Manchin previewed his ad Thursday on MSNBC. In an interview with the network, Manchin said the NRA leadership has exhibited "paranoia" as lawmakers try to adopt gun-control measures in the wake of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School six months ago in Newtown, Conn.

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