NRA Names Oliver North As New President

FAIRFAX, VA — The National Rifle Association has named a new president as the organization faces renewed scrutiny over its unwavering and far-reaching support for the Second Amendment. Retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, a key figure in the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s, was chosen by the organization's board of directors on Monday after the group's current president, Pete Brownell, opted to not run for a second term.

“This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became president of our Association,” the group's Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre said. “Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our president.”

North will assume the position in coming weeks. He has retired from his position as a commentator on Fox News, effective immediately, the NRA said in a press release.

LaPierre said in a statement that North was the best choice "hands down" to lead the NRA Board.

North, 74, will also be tasked with engaging with NRA members and "unflinchingly stand and fight" for the Second Amendment, LaPierre said in a statement.

North, former deputy-director of the National Security Council, was forced to resign when he was implicated in the Iran-Contra affair, which involved selling weapons to Iran in exchange for American hostages, then funneling some of the money from those sales to support the Contra guerrillas in Nicaragua.

He was convicted of three charges including obstructing Congress, illegally mutilating government documents and taking an illegal gratuity. All three were later overturned.

North was born in San Antonio, Texas, and trained at the United States Naval Academy. He earned Silver Star and Purple Heart medals leading a Marine platoon during the Vietnam War.

He said in a statement he looks forward to "hit the ground running" as the NRA's new president.

The massive organization, based in Fairfax, Virginia, has about 5 million members and is often a major donor for conservative political candidates. It's widely considered one of the most powerful lobbying groups in America.

The organization receives about $128 million a year in total membership revenue, The Washington Post reported. That number has varied widely though from $72 million in 2006 all the way up to $228 million in 2007.

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