Missouri House committee to discuss militia report Wednesday

JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri House committee is to hold its first hearing about a contentious report suggesting militia members tend to favor certain political candidates.

The House Committee on State Intelligence Analysis Oversight is to meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Capitol according to the committee's Web page. The committee was created following the release of a report earlier this year by the Missouri Information Analysis Center, which is part of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The center collects intelligence from state and federal agencies to combat terrorism and criminal activity.

The report said some militia members subscribe to militant anti-abortion or anti-illegal immigration movements. It also noted that militia members tended to back such presidential candidates as Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas, Libertarian Bob Barr and Constitution Party member Chuck Baldwin.

Committee members are expected to get an overview of the analysis center and to tour its facilities, according to the committee's Web page.