This could be the deadpan headline of the day, from the Kansas City Star: Tea party rejects racist label, but concerns remain.

One of those concerns is a guy named Billy Roper.

Billy Roper is a write-in candidate for governor of Arkansas and an unapologetic white nationalist. “I don’t want non-whites in my country in any form or fashion or any status,” he says.

Roper also is a tea party member who says he has been gathering support for his cause by attending tea party rallies. “We go to these tea parties all over the country,” Roper said. “We’re looking for the younger, potentially more radical people.” …

In several instances, tea party members with racist backgrounds such as Roper have played a role in party events. At the same time, The Kansas City Star has found, white nationalist groups are encouraging members to attend tea parties. One organization based in St. Louis is sponsoring tea parties of its own.

The Anti-Defamation League has a profile of tea party candidate Roper, with a charming photo showing him giving a speech in front of Nazi flags and paraphernalia.

(Hat tip: Killgore Trout.)