Thompson replied, “Nope.”

In his address, Thompson told those who questioned his record on gun rights to look no further than this “A” rating from the NRA. “The Constitution means what it says,” Thompson said.

Before any of the presidential candidates could speak to NRA members, Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre threw down a gauntlet. He said candidates who don’t support the NRA “just don’t get it…And those who just don’t get it have a much smaller chance of winning national elections,” LaPierre warned. “Anyone who ignores us will do so at their own peril.”

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney did not attend, but a pre-recorded video message from him was played for attendees. In the video, Romney reminded viewers that he had been endorsed by hunting groups in previous races and he believed the 2nd Amendment was a “cornerstone” of American heritage.

The conference, held in the Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hilton, drew at least 400 NRA members. Organizers said invitations to the event were limited to only the most “active” members across the country.

Democratic presidential candidate and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson sent a video message to the group and Republican presidential candidates Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R.) and California Rep. Duncan Hunter (R.) were scheduled to speak to NRA members Friday afternoon.

Along with a steady drumbeat of presidential candidates, a slew of other high-profile leaders headlined the event. Other speakers included: Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R.-K.Y.), Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R.), former Attorney General John Ashcroft, Senator John Thune (R.-S.D.) and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.