JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is touting an endorsement from the National Rifle Association, while his Republican challenger, Ed Martin, is airing his first TV ad in the general election campaign.

Koster announced the NRA support Monday. The Democratic attorney general says his job involves defending the rights of all Missourians, including the right to bear arms.

The NRA has rated Koster “solidly pro-gun,” which it says reflects a demonstrated record of support for Second Amendment issues. The NRA rated Martin “pro-gun” based on his answers to a survey because he does not have a voting record.

In his campaign commercial, Martin introduces his family and promises to protect constitutional rights and to fight the federal health care overhaul. He also criticizes Koster for spending by the attorney general’s office.

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