When Rep. Carolyn Tomei, D-Milwaukie, led the Oregon House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on Monday, she substituted the word "love" for "God."

Tomei's "nation under love" line started attracting attention on the internet Tuesday after it was

, a conservative political blog. Some online commenters were quick to decry what they said

to sideline God in America.

Tomei said she didn't realize anybody would notice. On most days during the legislative session, legislators asked to lead the pledge lean in to their microphone for just the first few words before they step back and become just one voice of many.

However, the House was holding its organizational meeting on Monday and Tomei led the pledge from the podium, where her full rendition was picked up the microphone.

"That's what I typically say," said Tomei. "It's just comfortable to me."

Tomei added that she didn't expect anyone to follow her lead in how to recite the pledge. The 77-year-old legislators said that when she first learned the pledge, it didn't include "under God." That phrase was

in 1954.

Tomei's modified pledge did attract some criticism from Republicans. "To me, it's a little disrespectful to do that," said Rep. Jim Weidner, R-Yamhill.

Jared Mason-Gere, spokesman for House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, said no one knew beforehand that Tomei would change the wording of the pledge. But he said the speaker has more significant issues to focus on.

"My hope is that when I get off the phone with you this is the last time I talk about it," he said.

Here's the audio, as excerpted by Oregon Catalyst:

Or download

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