A Republican candidate for the New Jersey state Senate suggested to a group of gun rights activists they should grab their weapons if his Democratic opponent knocked on their doors.

Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles was addressing the New Jersey Second Amendment Society on Oct. 7 when he started discussing his opponent, state Sen. Jim Whelan.

“When someone’s been elected for 30 years and he comes knocking on your door and tells you, ‘Listen, this is what I want to do to help you,’ quickly close your door, go inside,” Balles said.

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A woman in the audience shouts out: “And get your gun!”

Balles quickly agrees, chuckling: “And get your gun, exactly.”

“Good answer,” says a man in the audience, as several people laugh and applaud loudly.

The video was posted online by the pro-gun group Bold Departure.

Balles, who trails Whelan in recent polling, strongly opposes gun restriction laws.

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Watch Balles’ remarks starting at the 4:00 mark: