Senator Randy Brogdon Says Militia Comments Taken Out of Context

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A state senator is coming under fire for comments apparently supporting militias, but the senator said his words have been taken out of context.

Gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Randy Brogdon claimed he never said the word "militia" when he was quoted by the Associated Press as saying "the second amendment deals directly with the right of an individual to keep and bear arms to protect themselves from an overreaching federal government."

"I'm talking about protecting ourselves. As governor of this state, I will do everything within our constitutional authority to keep Congress within our constitutional authority," Brogdon said.

Brogdon also admitted to calling the federal government overreaching.

"Congress is so far overreaching into state's business. It is crippling our economy, the bailouts, the stimulus, Obamacare," Brogdon said.

The Associated Press reported that Brogdon said a militia could be used as an auxiliary state force during times of emergency because the Oklahoma National Guard falls under federal control.

"If we had another ice storm or bombing, it would be very calming and reassuring to know that the chief executive officer, the governor of the state, has a state guard that he could pull from that could help out in these perilous times," Brogdon said, as reported by the Associated Press.

Some Tea Party members have pledged support of Brogdon's cause and candidacy. One state Senate Republican said that's fine as long as violent and hateful speech are not part of the endorsement.

"I would encourage people that have rallied to have their voice heard at tea parties to distance themselves from the small segment calling for something else," said State Senator Steve Russell.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the State Republican Party said it will not support any group that talks of forming a militia.

The Associated Press contributed to this reported.