Gun rights advocates and political heavyweights meet in Louisville

I'm a Bitter Gun Owner and I Vote: Politicker Photo

LOUISVILLE -- Thousands of members and supporters of the National Rifle Association are gathered in Louisville this weekend for the organization's annual meeting.

The political highlight of the event is this afternoon's Leadership Forum, which is just underway. The list of speakers scheduled is a full slate of prominent state and national figures, topped by the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.).

NRA President John Sigler kicked the forum off and introduced NRA CEO and Vice President, Wayne Lapierre.

Kentucky's Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) is also on the schedule early in the day. He replaces Gov. Steve Beshear at the event, who was earlier set to appear.

Another Kentucky guest is scheduled just before McCain this afternoon. Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) will speak to the assembled guests.

McConnell's fellow U.S. senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), will also appear.

Other guests include former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, Lt. Col. Oliver North, former presidential candidates and Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.) and Mitt Romney (R-Mass.), former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton and U.S. Rep. Dan Boren (D-Okla.).

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