S.C. Ethics Panel Reopens Probe of Gov. Nikki Haley

House Speaker Harrell has accused Gov. Haley of lying about the status of an ethics probe into her activities while serving as a SC House member.

 

 

 

The House Ethics Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to reopen its inquiry into whether Gov. Nikki Haley illegally lobbied while a S.C. House member, exploiting her public office for her personal gain and to benefit her employers.

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And We Ask Madame: Où est le Boeuf ?

Agency Details $231,000 Tab for Haley’s Europe Trip

From The Post and Courier

By Renee Dudley

COLUMBIA — The S.C. Department of Commerce spent about $158,000 on Gov. Nikki Haley’s economic development mission to Europe in June — an amount $30,000 higher than the figure it reported earlier this month.

The difference reflects “trailing expenses” filed by the state’s office in Germany, a spokeswoman for the Commerce Department said in an email.

The final expense report released Thursday night also shows taxpayers picked up tens of thousands of dollars in costs beyond the amount the Commerce Department covered.

The state paid about $5,100 for two agents from the State Law Enforcement Division to accompany the governor and about $4,600 for the State Ports Authority’s vice president of cargo development to attend. Eight regional economic alliances, which all receive a share of tax dollars, paid an additional $64,000 to cover the costs of sending 13 of their members to the International Paris Air Show.

Low-Class Grifters Occupy the SC Governor's Mansion

Let's face it, South Carolina, we have a pair of low-class grifters occupying the Governor's Mansion.  They appear to have no scruples whatsoever and need to be watched closely by SLED, state employees, the South Carolina House of Representatives (which has "power of impeachment in cases of serious crimes or serious misconduct in office by officials elected on a statewide basis"), the media and the general public.  The question has become whether their arrogant and outlandish behavior will require the House to act before a disgusted public can clear out this trash themselves. 

Emails reveal Haley's wine cellar plans

Michael Haley

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's husband contemplated using taxpayer money to chill wine, some of which was donated by a business that later was given a private reception at the governor's mansion, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press.

The email exchanges show Haley campaign donors that spent at least $12,043 on her 2010 election were sending first gentleman Michael Haley lists of wine that his company would donate. The wine donations were followed by the reception, where the company's brass rubbed elbows with the governor. Donor Mike Sisk of Ridgeway-based Ben Arnold Co. was appointed in April to the State Ports Authority as a non-voting member, giving him a voice in the state's import and export dealings.

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Haley Less Popular than Obama in South Carolina

Poll: More disapprove of Haley’s job performance than approve

South Carolinians have soured on Nikki Haley, turning the relatively new governor from a national tea party favorite into a chief executive struggling to maintain support among members of her own party, the latest Winthrop University poll shows.

Only 34.6 percent of those surveyed – 1,073 registered S.C. Democrats, Republicans and independents – said they approved of Haley’s job performance, according to the poll. Far more – 43 percent – said they disapprove of the way the Republican is handling her job as governor. The poll’s margin of error was plus or minus 2.9 percent.

Haley’s approval rating is lower than that of President Obama, a Democrat, according to the poll. Obama has a 44.8 percent approval rating in strongly Republican South Carolina, according to the Winthrop poll.

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Haley Trades South Carolina's Economic Interests for Campaign Contributions

FITSNews has been doing an excellent job chronicling the corruption of the Haley Administration that many of us feared and expected.  Character counts in such offices, and South Carolina had plenty of reason to be wary of Mrs. Haley.  

She has attempted to make the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division her personal militia.  She has given high paying jobs to unqualified friends and supporters.  She has used her security detail as cocktail waiters. She has talked about transparency while omitting from her official schedule a national shakedown tour for campaign contributions. She has deleted E-mails that are state property and, under law, should be preserved and turned over to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.  She vindictively removed the largest contributor to the University of South Carolina from its Board of Trustees.  And now, according to FITSNews, her "Savannah River sellout" for campaign contributions may result in "a net loss of billions of dollars for the Palmetto State’s economy."

Mrs. Haley says she supports legislation allowing for the recall of state officials, which is good because over 300 South Carolina citizens have already signed an online petition for the recall of Nikki Haley.  It's unfortunate that other officers of our state government, including the Lieutenant Governor, appear to be as ethically and morally compromised as the Governor.  We encourage our readers to send a message that bartering our economic interests for campaign contributions and whoring for dollars from California to New Jersey is not in the tradition of her office and will not be tolerated by the voters of our state.

Senator Calls for Federal Investigation of Governor Nikki Haley

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has called for a federal investigation into “whether Gov. Nikki Haley exploited taxpayer dollars for political purposes” by allegedly dictating the findings of a nonpartisan health care panel, according to a news release.

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Nikki Haley Introduces and Praises Mitt Romney at CPAC

South Carolina's Governor, along with State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, was an early and ardent supporter of Governor Mitt Romney's candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.  This past week she introduced her candidate to the annual convention of the conservative movement known as CPAC.

Haley praised Mitt Romney as a "leader" who "fights to make a difference in the country."  But there's the rub.  It's the "difference" Mitt Romney made, his record, that caused conservatives throughout South Carolina to feel betrayed by their elected Republican (RINO) "leaders," and it was that record that caused millions of conservative, Republican voters to stay home or vote for third party candidates.

Yes, Governor Haley, Mitt Romney has fought, indeed he has been the foremost leader in advancing same-sex "marriage" in the United States, in authoring the prototype for Obamacare, in establishing taxpayer-funded $50 abortions on demand as a “healthcare benefit,” and in establishing a permanent government seat on the state-run health care board for an unelected representative of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.  

Conservatives also know that Romney repudiated Ronald Reagan when he ran for the United States Senate in Massachusetts; we remember that he promised to be "better than Ted" Kennedy in advancing the radical homosexual agenda; and we remember the outlandish lies he told about conservatives seeking the presidency in 2008 and 2012.  Conservatives also know that as Governor of Massachusetts, Romney took the same position the Obama administration has taken in its denial of religious conscience rights when he ordered that all hospitals provide rape victims the "morning after" abortifacient pill.  His lies, even about small and personal things, along with endless flip-flops on every major social and economic issue point to a deeply flawed character that resulted in most GOP primary voters supporting other candidates in the race, and his loss to a weak and unpopular incumbent.

But we're glad you reminded us of your support for the great chameleon, Governor Haley.  We just can't believe you and your fellow RINO, Mitt, had the nerve to peddle your poison at CPAC, of all places.

Republican and Conservative Network to Educate Public on Nikki Haley

A network of Republicans and conservative independents has announced a press conference to be held in Columbia on Thursday, September 30, at 4 pm, to launch an educational campaign about Nikki Haley and her campaign for Governor of South Carolina.

The Press Conference will be held on the first floor of the statehouse in Columbia.

Cyndi Mosteller, former First Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party and Chairwoman of the Charleston County Republican Party, and Dr. Dave Woodard, Clemson professor of political science and long time Republican activist, will present at the press conference.

Tim Scott to Fill DeMint Senate Seat

The appointment of Representative Tim Scott to fill Senator Jim DeMint's Senate seat is the best possible appointment for many reasons.  While Scott does not have the most conservative voting record among our South Carolina Congressional delegation, he is a solid conservative whose vote will cancel out rogue Senator Lindsey Graham.  He is also less likely than others on the "short list" to draw a primary opponent in 2014, forcing the strongest Senator-wannabe's to consider a primary challenge to Lindsey Graham.  And best of all, Haley didn't appoint herself.

Congratulations, Congressman Scott, we wish you great success and hope you will continue to "fight the good fight" so ably and nobly fought by Senator DeMint.

S.C. Gov. Haley names Scott to DeMint’s Senate seat

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on Monday named Rep. Tim Scott to replace the resigning Republican Sen. Jim DeMint. 

Mrs. Haley, who announced her decision at an early afternoon news conference at the state Capitol in Columbia, said Mr. Scott’s background as a entrepreneur will serve South Carolina well. 

“He earned this,” she said. 

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Trikki Nikki is Shocked that Syrians are Arriving in South Carolina

One of Trikki Nikki's Many Faces

According to yesterday's The State newspaper, Syrian refugees have begun arriving in South Carolina.  And Governor Nikki Haley is just shocked!  Shocked!  In response to statewide opposition and public pressure, hadn't she publicly "requested" that Syrian refugees not be settled here? 

Her office claims to have been completely blindsided by the collaboration of her Department of Social Services and Lutheran Services Carolinas on the first Syrian placements in South Carolina's Midlands.

Sadly, this is only the latest example of what a lying, duplicitous Governor we have and why she has so richly earned the appellation of Trikki Nikki.

She knew very well when she signed an agreement on August 7th that Syrian refugees would be coming to South Carolina.  Your safety and well-being be damned.  It means federal dollars for her friends and all subsequent "requests" were merely for show.  Federal shackles follow federal shekels, as Trikki well knows.

So, arm yourselves, South Carolinians; Trikki and the feds are not going to protect you.  And be forewarned America, our very corrupt Governor is concerned only about her own selfish advancement.

Gov. Haley Vetoes Bill to Deny Savannah Dredging

From The Journal of Commerce

By Peter T. Leach

State legislators argue project will give Port of Savannah an edge over Charleston  

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on Monday vetoed a bill both state houses passed unanimously in an attempt to overturn a permit allowing the Port of Savannah to expand at the expense of Charleston’s port.

The bill would have overturned a permit issued by state environmental regulators to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to deepen the Savannah river. The dredging project will allow the port to handle larger ships able to pass through the expanded Panama Canal in late 2014.

Haley and Romney - Desperate Soul-Mates Find One Another

Nikki Haley's mask of reform, accountability and transparency has given way to her real purpose in government --  cash, perks and power.  So her endorsement of the ultimate RINO, Mitt Romney, does nothing for him and only reinforces the conviction that she must be a one term governor -- if she manages to make it that long.  

South Carolinians know that the only thing transparent about this administration is the Governor's own lack of character and commitment to authentic conservative government.  With only 34.6 percent approval in South Carolina, Nikki Haley must be hoping a Romney administration will rescue her from an aware and aroused electorate.  But that electorate, spearheaded by the Tea Party movement, sees these two soul-mates for what they are -- the sort of hollow RINOs who have brought America to the brink of disaster.  As another RINO Governor used to say, these two are "perfect together." Fortunately, their day is over.

Jim DeMint Sells Out

Jim Demint boards the Titanic

We just left a message for Senator Jim DeMint at his Washington Office (202-224-6121) expressing our bitter disappointment that he has joined establishment party figures in supporting Mitt Romney and urging Senator Santorum to get out of the race.  It is not the first time that DeMint has favored Governor Romney; he endorsed him in 2008.

The establishment chorus knows that Senator Santorum is likely to win the Louisiana Primary. Indeed, the establishment would not be rallying if they didn't believe their regional candidate is likely to crawl, weak and bleeding, to the finish line, if he can make it at all.  In every state, save perhaps his own, the majority of primary voters supported a candidate other than Governor Romney.  According to a study done by The Daily Beast, the former Massachusetts Governor has "the worst primary-season favorable-unfavorable split of any major-party nominee of the last 36 years [at least].”

His candidacy will be disastrous and GOP rank-and-file voters should hold John McCain, the Bush family, Lindsay Graham, Nikki Haley and yes, even Senator Jim DeMint responsible for the debacle that is about to unfold in the Republican Party.

The best thing that could happen would be for the convention to draft a candidate with broad, national support, who can truly unite the GOP against the worst, most unpopular president in American history -- not nominate an echo who at one time or another has espoused Obama's policies.

We grudgingly went along with the establishment's argument that we should hold our nose and vote for McCain, Bush, Dole, etc.  -- because the alternative was so much worse.  Let the record show that we will not do that again.  The lesser of two evils is still evil, and we would rather have bad policy associated with the Democrat brand than to compromise the Republican brand any further.

Here in South Carolina the only demographic supporting Governor Romney in the South Carolina Primary were those making more than $200,000 per year.  We hope that when the worst fears of concerned Republicans are realized on November 6, that elected leaders here - Governor Haley, Treasurer Loftis, Senators Graham and DeMint - and the high priests of the GOP Establishment throughout America who are foisting this very flawed and noxious candidate on us -- will stand up and take full responsibility. 

SC House Member: Send Haley Ethics Complaint to AG

A House Ethics Committee member says she will propose sending an ethics complaint against Gov. Nikki Haley to the attorney general.

Republican Rep. Joan Brady of Columbia said Tuesday the case has gotten too complicated, and Attorney General Alan Wilson should handle it to uphold the governor's and committee's integrity.

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Winthrop Poll Finds South Carolinians Divided on Haley Performance

A Winthrop Poll released today finds South Carolinians almost evenly divided on the performance of Governor Nikki Haley.  In the new poll of adults surveyed between April 15 to 22, 37.3% of all respondents said they approved of the governor's performance, while 36.5% reacted negatively.  Among Republicans and Independents who are registered voters and lean Republican, her approval rating is almost 60%, with one-in-five disapproving (20.2%).

The Winthrop Poll is an ongoing project of Winthrop University and is partially underwritten by the West Forum on Policy and Politics at the University.  The poll's most recent examination of South Carolina attitudes is available here.

Obama Slaps Intimidation Lawsuit on South Carolina Over Illegals

From Human Events

By James R. Edwards, Jr.

The Obama Justice Department has launched yet another outrageous lawsuit against a state acting within its broad police powers, this time drawing a bead on South Carolina over its immigration law.

This administration has already sued Arizona over its SB 1070 in 2010, and Alabama over its recent immigration enforcement measure this summer.  The executive branch has now challenged South Carolina’s similar law.

The Palmetto State’s statute is to become effective Jan. 1.  The Obama administration has now moved to block this popular state measure.

South Carolina DHHS Employee Arrested in Data Theft

From left: SLED Director Mark Keel, SCDHHS Director Tony Keck, SC Inspector General Jim Martin and Governor Nikki Haley

The personal information of more than 228,000 Medicaid recipients in South Carolina has been stolen by a former state Department of Health and Human Services employee, according to DHHS and the State Law Enforcement Division.

SLED says 36-year-old Christopher Lykes was able to make off with 228,435 Medicaid recipients' personal information by emailing the information to his personal Yahoo email account.

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So Much for the Campaign of Transparency

From The Post and Courier

By Brian Hicks

So this is what transparency looks like in Nikki Haley's world. 

On Thursday, the governor refused to answer questions from our own Renee Dudley -- wouldn't even look her in the eye -- as she was asked for the third day in a row why she withheld documents that show she wasted taxpayer money and hosed the uninsured for the tea party. 

Bill Rogers of the South Carolina Press Association compared her to a "deer in headlights," which may be an insult to deer. They aren't the sharpest critters in the woods, but at least they aren't ethically challenged. 

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The GOP Convention - An Event To Be Missed

It was revealed today that Rick Santorum will not be given a speaking role at the Republican National Convention; so much for the GOP "big tent," my fellow conservatives. With speakers like John McCain, Nikki Haley and Condoleeza Rice, the quadrennial infomercial for the liberal establishment of the GOP is turning into an event to be missed.  Wake us when Governor Huckabee speaks.

Ho

Hum

So How Much Did the Massachusetts Liberal Pay in Taxes?

Candidate Paid a 14% Effective Tax Rate for 2010 on $21.7 Million in Income

Nikki Haley and the Romney's: Taxes are for little people

From The Wall Street Journal

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney paid a 14% effective income tax rate in 2010 after making $3 million in tax-deductible charitable donations and drawing most of his income from investments, according to a summary of Mr. Romney's 2010 tax form provided by his campaign.