representative then a stat representative was traveling all around the state of louisiana touting his opposition to a tax increase that would affect the middle class and his desire to eliminate what he called a slush fund that was benefiting state politicians. so here i want to read for you part of the statement that his communications director gave to us. she said in every case the representative was building support for his policies. in 2002 he made himself available to anyone who wanted to hear his proposal to eliminate slush funds that wasted millions of taxpayer dollars as well as his opposition to a proposed tax increase on middle class families. he has never been affiliated with the abhorrent group in question. the hate-fueled ignorance and inintolerance that group projects is in stark contradiction to what mr. scalise believes and practices as a father a husband and a devoted catholic. they say he was not aware that this group -- of their white