What happens when a prominent Republican politician gives a speech at an international conference of white supremacists hosted by former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke? How does the Republican leadership respond in this era of rebranding and improved messages?

By supporting him. Speaker Boehner Statement Supporting Whip Scalise.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement in support of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA):

“More than a decade ago, Representative Scalise made an error in judgment, and he was right to acknowledge it was wrong and inappropriate. Like many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I know Steve to be a man of high integrity and good character. He has my full confidence as our Whip, and he will continue to do great and important work for all Americans.”

This is the Republican Party in 2014.