Amid accusations that Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo stood behind a confederate flag and spoke to a “hate group,” the congressman’s campaign responded today in the Rocky Mountain News, saying that the now notorious event was hosted by an average conservative group, concerned with immigration.

Tancredo’s Democratic opponent, Bill Winter, is not convinced however, and is speaking out about the rally held a few days ago in South Carolina From the News article:

But according to Tancredo’s office, the Saturday gathering was organized and sponsored by Americans Have Had Enough Coalition, which backs Tancredo’s anti-illegal immigration stand and traditional conservative causes. Tancredo’s longtime aide, Jacque Ponder, is on its board.

Winter responded later with a press release.

“How can Mr. Tancredo claim to be representing the people of Colorado when he is pandering to hate groups in South Carolina?” he said. “How can Mr. Tancredo sit in our Nation’s Capitol and claim to speak for the people of this district and all Americans when he addresses groups dedicated to the secession of all Southern states?”

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the civil rights organization that first reported on the rally, is sticking to its claims.