LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Republican Mike Huckabee is apologizing for an unscripted attempt at humor.

During his speech to the National Rifle Association, Huckabee quipped that an offstage noise was Barack Obama diving to the floor because someone had aimed a gun at him. There were only a few murmurs in the crowd after the remark.

The Obama campaign had no comment.

Later, Huckabee issued a statement that offered an apology. He called his quip "an offhand remark that was in no way intended to offend or disparage Senator Obama."

Huckabee, who sought the GOP presidential nomination, won the leadoff Iowa caucuses and seven other states but dropped out after being overtaken by Senator John McCain, the likely nominee.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)