In a shock to the Alabama GOP, NRA head Charlton Heston has endorsed embattled Democratic governor Don Siegelman's reelection bid.

What's funny is that Heston was in Alabama on the state GOP's dime, campaigning for GOP candidates (including sharing the stage with GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob Riley), when he struck his deal with Siegelman. Republicans are foaming at the mouth (as happens when conservative groups back a Democrat):

Heston's Republican hosts accused Siegelman of taking advantage of their guest. State GOP Chairman Marty Connors told reporters that the endorsement was "suspect" and represented "a gross manipulation of Mr. Heston."

Riley campaign spokesman David Azbell said, "You have got to wonder if people are acting in Mr. Heston's best interests."

NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam responded yesterday that such comments were "in poor taste" and noted that the organization's political retention policy requires it to endorse any incumbent, such as Siegelman, who gets an A rating on its annual scorecard.