COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A political blogger is claiming he had an affair with South Carolina Republican gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley.
Haley, who is married, is denying the allegation. It was posted by Will Folks on his blog. He offers no proof of any relationship.
The allegation comes a year after Gov. Mark Sanford famously vanished from the state for five days, later admitting he'd traveled to Argentina to visit his mistress. The scandal ended Sanford's marriage and led to calls for his resignation. He is term limited and leaves office in January.
Haley is a three-term legislator. She is one of four Republicans seeking the party's gubernatorial nomination.
She's been endorsed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and the state's former first lady, Jenny Sanford. The primary is June 8.
Monday, in response to the allegations, Haley released the following statement:
"I have been 100% faithful to my husband throughout our 13 years of marriage. This claim against me is categorically and totally false."
"It is sad, but not surprising, that this disgraceful smear has taken form less than a week removed from the release of a poll showing our campaign with a significant lead. It is quite simply South Carolina politics at its worst."
"These attacks - and those sure to follow - are an effort at distraction, but I will keep my focus on what matters, and that is delivering South Carolina's government back to our people. That’s a fight I have fought for the last five years. That’s why I entered this race for Governor. And that’s what I will continue to do, despite any outrageous and false claims that are thrown at me."
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