Executive vice-president of the NRA Wayne LaPierre spoke just before noon on the main stage, addressing the issue of upholding Second Amendment in upcoming elections.

"We are Americans, we are free, and we will not pipe down!" LaPierre said, receiving applause from the audience slowly tricking into Hilton Coliseum as the formal events of the straw poll began.

Using several local news clips involving the confiscation or criminalization of guns, LaPierre laid down the foundation of his message that politicians at every level of government should be wary of attempting to limit the right to bear arms.

"The citizens of the world should have as much freedom as American citizens have," said LaPierre. "You are in America, and the defense of freedom is right in your DNA."

-- By Eric Johnson