LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- They are on the front lines of the gun control debate.   The National Rifle Association, one of the most powerful and divisive lobbying groups in the country, is bringing its annual convention back to Louisville.

The NRA has booked Louisville for its 2016 meeting. 70,000 visitors are expected at the event at the event, which also is expected to draw political candidates because it's a presidential election year.

Louisville hosted the 2008 NRA convention, which heard speeches from John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Karl Rove.