Cheney woos gunowners at convention

US Vice President Dick Cheney portrayed US President George W Bush and himself as champions of the second amendment to the US constitution — the right to bear arms — in a speech at the National Rifle Association’s 133rd annual convention on Saturday.

"John Kerry's approach to the second amendment has been to regulate, regulate and then regulate some more," Mr Cheney said, citing votes against legislation that would protect gun makers from lawsuits and in favour of allowing federal authorities to randomly inspect gun dealers without notice.

Mr Cheney lauded the NRA's safety programs and said the best way to prevent gun crimes was to enforce existing laws. Federal prosecutions of crimes committed with guns increased 68% under Mr Bush, he told the crowd.

Mr Bush "has shown you respect, earned your vote and appreciates your support", Mr Cheney said.

He was greeted with a standing ovation and chants of "four more years".

Mr Cheney did not address the federal assault weapons ban, which expires in September, and which the NRA maintains has been ineffective.

Mr Kerry, in a statement issued before Mr Cheney's address, said "most voters don't know that (Mr Bush and Mr Cheney) are standing against major police organisations and breaking their promise to renew the assault weapons ban which helps keep military-style assault weapons out of the hands of criminals and terrorists".

Earlier, Tom Mauser, whose son, Daniel, was killed in the Columbine High School killings five years ago, tried to enter the convention hall where the NRA was meeting, seeking to urge Mr Cheney to support extending the assault weapons ban.

Mr Mauser was turned away by a security guard as several conventioneers applauded, and some yelled "Get a life".