Rep. Steve Scalise, the recently elected House majority whip, has acknowledged that he spoke at a gathering of white supremacists more than a decade ago, calling it “a mistake” that he regrets.

“Twelve years ago, I spoke to many different Louisiana groups as a state representative, trying to build support for legislation that focused on cutting wasteful state spending, eliminating government corruption, and stopping tax hikes,” Scalise, R-La., said in a statement. “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.”

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/12/30/373955103/rep-steve-scalise-i-went-and-spoke-to-any-group-that-called

In an exclusive interview Monday with NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune about the growing controversy over his appearance at the Metairie event, Scalise said it is ridiculous to suggest he was involved with the group, which was created by former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/12/steve_scalise_i_dont_support_a.html