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NRA Names New Chief Lobbyist

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Washington, DC -- The National Rifle Association`s (NRA) Executive Vice-President, Wayne LaPierre, has named Chris Cox as the organization`s new Executive Director of the NRA`s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). Cox replaces James Jay Baker. LaPierre made the announcement Monday in Reno, NV at the meeting of the NRA`s board of directors. The appointment takes effect immediately.

"Jim will be changing his relationship with the NRA and returning to private practice. I will miss Jim`s leadership, tough legislative skills and most of all, the partnership we have enjoyed for these many years working together," LaPierre said.

Baker will continue to work with the NRA as a consultant. He will also help coordinate a two-week transition period.

A decade long veteran of Capitol Hill, Cox is well regarded on Capitol Hill by Republicans and Democrats. He is an avid hunter and shooting sports enthusiast. Prior to joining in the NRA, Chris worked as a legislative aide to Congressman John Tanner of Tennessee.

"The NRA board of directors and I, have full confidence in Chris`s ability to tackle all challenges that will come in our direction. Chris has been an integral part of our federal government relations. He is politically astute and results oriented in his management approach. He has what it takes to be the NRA`s chief lobbyist," LaPierre said.

"I am happy to hand the reins of the NRA`s political arm over to Chris. He is an intelligent and talented political operative. I am confident that he will lead NRA-ILA to new heights," Jim Baker said of his successor.

"This is an awesome responsibility. I truly appreciate the support of Wayne, Jim and the board of directors. I will work tirelessly to advance the state and federal legislative and political strategies of this 131 year-old Association," Cox said.

Cox, 32, is a native of Jackson, TN and a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.

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NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.