GOP Leaders Look For Scalise Flap To Blow Over

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican leaders have been supportive of Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise since the revelation that he appeared before a white supremacist organization 12 years ago, suggesting they think the flare-up will fade.

Scalise is the Republican whip in the House. He says he regrets making the speech in 2002 and condemns the views of such groups. He says that as a state legislator he spoke to many groups at that time.

Republican leaders defended Scalise within minutes of his statement Tuesday.

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio says Scalise "made an error in judgment" and was right to acknowledge it was inappropriate. Boehner says Scalise has his full confidence as the GOP whip.

several Democrats have criticized Scalise but have issued no calls for his resignation.