The gun lobby is among the most influential in Arizona. But its power doesn't come from money.

During the 2010 election cycle, gun lobbyists and their political-action committees gave less than $4,000 to statewide and legislative candidates. In comparison, individuals from groups such as the medical industry, teachers unions and real-estate developers gave hundreds of thousands of dollars more.

Yet gun legislation was one of the dominant issues of this year's legislative session. More than a dozen gun measures were proposed.

The state's three primary gun lobbyists are the National Rifle Association, the Arizona Citizens Defense League and Todd Rathner. According to campaign-contribution records provided by the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, here's what the lobbyists donated during the 2010 election cycle:

-�The Arizona Citizens Defense League PAC donated $1,150 to candidates. Some of the money went to unsuccessful candidates. The winning candidates who received money were $200 to Senate President Russell Pearce, R-Mesa; $100 to Rep. Jack Harper, R-Surprise; $150 to Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake; $100 to Rep. Terri Proud, R-Tucson; and $100 to House Majority Whip Debbie Lesko, R-Glendale.

-�League president Dave Kopp gave $1,730 combined to 11 different candidates. The recipients were some of the state lawmakers who are most supportive of gun-rights measures, including $200 to Pearce, $400 to Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale, and $140 to Rep. Carl Seel, R-Phoenix.

-�League vice president John Wentling gave $100 to Weiers.

-�Arizona resident Robert Goode, who listed his occupation as advancement officer for the NRA, gave $140 to unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Buz Mills. Goode also gave $50 to Corporation Commissioner Brenda Burns.

-�Virginia-based NRA Executive Director Joe Graham gave $500 to Mills. All the candidates who got money are strong supporters of gun rights.

League spokesman Charles Heller said it is common for candidates who hold similar views to approach the organization for donations, as opposed to the league seeking out candidates to fund in exchange for support.

"If you look at the legislators who are already the most friendly to the right to keep and bear arms, they are the ones that are going to get the most support," Heller said.

When it comes to influence in Arizona, perception and political pressure is more important than money. And in Arizona, that pressure can be intense. U.S. Sen. John McCain faced a failed recall effort for supporting federal gun restrictions several years ago. When Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed two measures that would have loosened gun restrictions in Arizona this year, she was skewered by conservative bloggers, and gun-rights advocates threatened a recall effort.

The NRA and the Arizona Citizens Defense League use their website, e-mail and election-season mailers to alert their thousands of Arizona members to politicians' voting records, to suggest members contact their lawmakers and to recommend which legislators NRA members should vote for.

And members respond. Brewer got more than 1,000 phone calls and e-mails asking her to sign the bills.