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We can’t help but harken back to one of incumbent mayor Martin Chavez’s clever statements on the stump as mayoral endorsements keep rolling in to our virtual newsroom this week.

Characterizing R.J. Berry as on the right, and Richard Romero as on the left, Chavez has enjoyed saying he’s happy being “Marty in the middle.”

His endorsement today by the president of the National Rifle Association, combined with an earlier endorsement this week by former Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean, drives home that point.

“Martin Chavez has a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and promoting recreational and competitive shooting in Albuquerque,” said Chris Cox, NRA chief lobbyist in a message announcing endorsement of Chavez.

Ron Schmeits, president of the NRA, said sportsmen and gun owners can be assured that Chavez will “…support and defend their Second Amendment rights.”

“We urge all NRA members and gun owners in Albuquerque to vote for Martin Chavez on October 6,” he said.

Chavez has done several notable things to help the NRA’s mission, according to the statement:

In his tenure as mayor, Martin Chavez petitioned the New Mexico Supreme Court to remove the city as a party to a legal challenge of the state’s right-to-carry law, reversing the policy of his anti-gun predecessor.  He was also instrumental in securing funding and support for NRA’s National Police Shooting Championships held in Albuquerque each year. The cooperation and assistance received from his administration has been key to the ongoing success of this event.