GOP Senate candidate gave interview to publication that promotes Holocaust denial: report

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.), a candidate to challenge Sen. Bob Casey (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.{mosads}

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. He emerged as an early supporter of Trump and his immigration policy during the 2016 campaign.