Scalise: Speaking To White Nationalist Group Was ‘A Mistake I Regret’

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La. gestures as he speaks at the 40th annual Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., Friday, March 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) said Tuesday that his 2002 appearance at an event hosted by a white nationalist group was “a mistake I regret.”

The new statement from Scalise also removed all doubt about whether he had actually spoken at the meeting.

“Twelve years ago, I spoke to many different Louisiana groups as a state representative, trying to build support for legislation that focused on cutting the wasteful state spending, eliminating government corruption, and stopping tax hikes,” Scalise said. “One of the many groups that I spoke to regarding this critical legislation was a group whose views I wholeheartedly condemn.”

“It was a mistake I regret, and I emphatically oppose the divisive racial and religious views groups like these hold,” he continued. “I am very disappointed that anyone would infer otherwise for political gain.”

Scalise, a Catholic, also noted that white supremacist groups are typically “vehemently opposed to my own personal faith and I reject that kind of hateful bigotry.”

“Those who know me best know I have always been passionate about helping, serving, and fighting for every family I represent,” he concluded. “I will continue to do so.”

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  1. Avatar for mantan mantan says:

    Many a caught fish has thought, “Man, I need to get out in front of this hook!”

  2. Right. So in one day you’ve gone from maybe I did speak to them, but I spoke to a lot of groups so you can’t blame me! To okay yeah I was personally invited, and did say that the worst thing about David Duke is that he can’t be elected. To now, deeply regretting speaking to the group at all. Complete and utter BS.

  3. Avatar for xyxox xyxox says:

    And he’s fast trying to throw off his white supremacist ties. Too bad for him, the hood and sheet are already out of the closet and we know him for what he is.

  4. Here comes the “limited hang out” and the story is, as they say, “evolving.”

  5. The GOP accepts “apology logic” from their leaders that most people would not accept from a 5 yr old.

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