AP Regional - 04/24/2001

Clinton heckled at gun show news conference

WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was loudly heckled on Tuesday by a megaphone-toting man who interrupted an outdoor news conference where she and other Democrats were calling for stricter gun control laws.

''Hillary you've got to be kidding,'' the man said after noticing Clinton among the knot of senators outside the Capitol.

''Hillary and Bubba, you are the enemy,'' he shouted referring to the senator and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton showed no reaction, smiling and looking straight ahead, as the man continued to loudly hurl insults her way.

The lawmakers were talking about the ability of felons to get weapons at gun shows. And as the man walked away Clinton quipped ''that's a perfect example of what we're talking about.''

Secret Service agents who guard the former first lady did not approach the man but several onlookers told him to be quiet.

The man walked away before reporters could ask his name.

The gun show loophole bill the lawmakers were pushing passed the Senate last year but died in the House. Gun control legislation is not given much chances of succeeding this year with Republicans controlling Congress and the White House.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001