The National Rifle Association endorsed Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, Tuesday in his re-election bid.

"Our members, armed forces, firearm manufacturers and dealers are forever grateful for your actions," said Charles H. Cunningham, NRA director of federal affairs, in his letter to Cannon.

Cannon's opponent, John Jacob, has made it clear that he will protect Second Amendment rights, too.

"I grew up in the mountains with guns, hunting, fishing and doing sportsmen activities," Jacob said.

While he said that he could have received an endorsement as well, he believes it went to Cannon because of his record in Congress.

"What I'm doing is going to the individuals and getting their endorsement," Jacob said. "Most of those love and own guns and want the right to use them, as the Second Amendment says."

Cannon's endorsement came June 7, and was announced to media Tuesday. Cannon, in his fifth term in Congress, has been endorsed in his other races by the NRA. Campaign manager Nathan Rathbun said that the endorsement can help.

"It just lets other voters know that Chris has a strong position on this issue, to protect Second Amendment rights," he said.

The letter also encourages the NRA's members, gun owners and sportsmen in Utah to vote for Cannon.

"Based on your record in Congress, as well as your extensive voting record on Second Amendment issues, you have earned an "A+" rating from the NRA-PVF," the NRA letter said.

Cannon seeks to limit gun manufacturers' liability, protecting those in the firearms industry from lawsuits when their products are used in criminal acts.

Jacob would like to see the Second Amendment kept intact from state to state so guns are easier to transport. He would also like to see guns allowed in national parks.

"It's OK to have them in our national forest, why not in our national parksfi" Jacob said.

The NRA letter cites Cannon's proven track record as a member of Congress, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, as chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law and in passing the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act."

The NRA of America Political Victory Fund contributed $1,000 to Cannon for Congress in September 2005, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Natalie Evans is available at 344-2561 or nevans@heraldextra.com

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D1.