Late into Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, the NRA not only formally announced its opposition to the nominee but also said it would include senators' votes for and against her in the next election-year rankings.

While the caution could have factored into the Senate Judiciary Committee's nearly partyline vote -- all but one Republican voted against Sotomayor -- it's worth noting that three of the six GOPers to announce their backing of the judge thus far were endorsed by the NRA during their most recent campaigns.

• Sen. Lamar Alexander received an 'A' rating and was endorsed in 2008 against Robert Tuke in Tennessee.

• Sen. Lindsey Graham was rated 'A' and endorsed by the NRA in 2008 against Bob Conley in South Carolina.

• Sen. Mel Martinez was rated 'A' and endorsed by the NRA in 2004 against Betty Castor in Florida. (Martinez is not running for re-election.)

And one newly-minted Democrat, who served his almost five full terms as a Republican, has received the NRA's support in the past but voted for Sotomayor:

• Sen. Arlen Specter was rated 'A' and endorsed by the NRA in 2004 against Joseph Hoeffel in Pennsylvania.

The three other GOP senators who have said they'll support Sotomayor have not received the NRA's praise in recent years:

• The NRA gave Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, a 'C+' in 2006 and did not endorse her for election.

• The NRA gave Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a 'C+' in 2008 and did not endorse her for election.

• The NRA gave Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., a 'D+ in 2006 and did not endorse him for election.