The NRA has long written off Maryland as a lost cause.
That was true, until a few months ago. The NRA is back. It is my understanding that they are letting MSI take the 'public' lead (negotiated), but they are still doing the mailings you may have seen recently. We have a new NRA rep here in Maryland, and she's doing a great job from what I'm hearing.
I too was pretty pissed at the NRA about a year ago, felt like I had wasted my money for a life membership, but now they are digging in with us.
Must say, my order of support goes to MSI, SAF, then NRA in that order; for Maryland issues. AGC, GOA and many others are doing an admirable job as well. If nothing else we are getting a lot of politicians to show their true colors, and next election cycle there will no doubt be some house cleaning.