Associates of presidential candidate Ron Paul told the Washington Post that the Texas congressman was heavily involved in newsletters that included racist and incendiary language published under his name in the 1980s and 1990s.

Paul has previously denied knowledge of the language of the newsletters, which included lines like “order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks.”

But in interviews with the Post, some people who were closely involved in production of the newsletters said Paul oversaw the language and approved of the controversial tone, if not the precise language.

Ron Paul racist newsletters: The top 10 most racially insensitive claims

“It was his newsletter, and it was under his name, so he always got to see the final product…. He would proof it,’’ said Renae Hathway, a former secretary in Paul’s company and a supporter of the Texas congressman.

Another associate, who did not give his name to the Post, said, “It was playing on a growing racial tension, economic tension, fear of government. I’m not saying Ron believed this stuff. It was good copy. Ron Paul is a shrewd businessman.”

Jesse Benton, a Paul spokesman, denied these allegations. He told the Post that Paul focused on his medical practice when “the offensive material appeared under his name.”

theGrio opinion: Ron Paul can’t keep newsletter story straight

The renewed attention on the newsletters is unlikely to affect the GOP nomination process. Paul’s denials on the newsletters have satisfied his intense, but small base of support in the GOP who say the believe his version of events.

But his controversial views on a number of issues have limited his appeal, and he is almost certain not to win the GOP nomination.