Rep. Lou Barletta Louis (Lou) James BarlettaBottom Line Ex-GOP congressman to lead group to protect Italian products from tariffs Head of Pennsylvania GOP resigns over alleged explicit texts MORE (R-Pa.), a candidate to challenge Sen. Bob Casey Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseySecond GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus GAO report finds brokers offered false info on coverage for pre-existing conditions Catholic group launches .7M campaign against Biden targeting swing-state voters MORE (D-Pa.) in November, sat down during his time in public office with fringe groups that promote Holocaust denial and extreme anti-immigration stances, CNN reported Thursday.

As mayor of Hazelton, Pa., Barletta reportedly did an interview in 2006 with American Free Press, which is known to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, including that the Holocaust was a hoax.

In 2007, he headlined a rally in Hazelton that featured a musical performer whose band had promoted conspiracy theories about the Holocaust and the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, CNN added.

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The network also reported that Barletta as a congressman sat on a panel organized by the controversial Youth for Western Civilization.

Barletta’s deputy campaign manager said the lawmaker was “not aware of these individuals’ background,” and has always condemned “hate, bigotry, and racial supremacy in all its forms.”

Barletta has served in the House since 2011, and is one of several Republican candidates running to unseat Casey in November. A primary will be held in May.

Barletta is considered a frontrunner for the GOP nomination, thanks in part to his support from President Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE. He emerged as an early supporter of Trump and his immigration policy during the 2016 campaign.