Report: NRA Quietly Deletes Lawmakers’ Past Ratings From Site

Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association (NRA), speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2016 at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, outside Washi... Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association (NRA), speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2016 at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, outside Washington, March 3, 2016. Republican activists, organizers and voters gather for the Conservative Political Action Conference at a critical moment for the Republican Party as Donald Trump marches towards the presidential nomination and GOP stalwarts consider whether -- or how -- to stop him. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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The National Rifle Association (NRA) has quietly deleted its records of lawmakers’ past ratings by the gun group.

Washington Post reporter Philip Bump flagged the change on Tuesday. NRA members can still view current grades, but the drop-down menu no longer lists previous years.

NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker told the Post that he was likely just experiencing an “IT glitch,” but an unnamed NRA employee confirmed that the past grades had been removed.

“I think our enemies were using that,” he told the Post.

Baker told TPM that “the old grades are no longer relevant” because the rating system serves as an election guide for its members.

The development, highlighted by the anonymous staffer’s comment, signals that a positive rating from the hardline pro-gun group could be becoming a scarlet letter for politicians as gun control activists gain momentum in the wake of the Parkland high school shooting massacre.

GOP Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) scrubbed his A/A+ NRA grade and pro-gun stance from his campaign site, TPM reported in March. Bishop’s campaign spokesman insisted that the change merely “reflects an update” for the congressman, not a change in position.

This story has been updated with the NRA’s statement to TPM.

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