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Third-ranking U.S. House Republican Steve Scalise said his 2002 speech to a white supremacy group was a mistake I regret, and House Speaker John Boehner said he continues to support the Louisiana Republican.

More than a decade ago, Representative Scalise made an error in judgment, and he was right to acknowledge it was wrong and inappropriate, Boehner said in an e-mailed statement today. I know Steve to be a man of high integrity and good character. He has my full confidence as our whip.

Scalise said he rejects the hateful bigotry of the group he addressed 12 years ago, the European-American Unity and Rights Organization, founded by David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

I emphatically oppose the divisive racial and religious views groups like these hold, Scalise said.

Elected by House Republicans this year to his leadership spot, the congressman is facing a controversy over his appearance at an event in Metairie, Louisiana, while he was a state lawmaker. As the House majority whip, Scalise counts votes for legislation, helps devise strategy and works to build support for Republican initiatives.

Scalise said he spoke to many groups as a state representative in his efforts to cut wasteful government spending and stop tax increases.

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, he said in the statement.

The second-ranking House Republican, Kevin McCarthy of California, also released a statement supporting Scalise.

Ive known him as a friend for many years and I know that he does not share the beliefs of that organization, McCarthy said.

Scalise was quoted yesterday by NOLA.com/Times-Picayune as saying he didnt realize what views the organization held.

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House Republican Scalise Says No Link to White Supremacy Group