HELENA -- Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama "isn't going to take your guns," Montana's Sen. Jon Tester told reporters this afternoon in a call from the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

"I talked to Obama straight up on it," Tester said. "He told me flat out, 'I'm not taking your guns away and don't let anybody tell you that I will.' "

Tester flew to Denver with Obama Wednesday afternoon, after Obama made his fifth visit to Montana for events in Billings. He said he got a chance to talk with the nominee about a lot of things, including guns.

Tester, a Big Sandy farmer, told reporters that he's a guy "who likes my guns, to be honest with you" and said Obama looked him "straight in the eye" and said the Second Amendment will be safe under an Obama presidency.

The National Rifle Association, which typically supports Republican candidates and has an active political wing, has targetted Obama repeatedly for his record on guns, particularly in the Illinois Legislature.

Obama represented Chicago, where 13 students were shot and killed last school year and gun violence plays a greater role in daily life.

Tester said he would go after the NRA for their attacks on Obama.

He also said Obama will protect access to public lands and hunting areas.

"On the other side of the equation, McCain is talking about selling our public lands," Tester said.

Tester also praised Obama for being "the real deal" and a down-to-Earth, ordinary guy.

Tester also quashed suggestions that Montana's Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer might be on the short list for a cabinet position in an Obama administraton, particularly after Schweitzer delivered a rousing, well-received speech at the convention Tuesday night.

Tester said Schweitzer wants only to be governor.