South Carolina: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

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By Carl Sullivan

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David Kurtz at Talking Points Memo notes that a year ago, he wouldn't have considered South Carolina to be among the states with the craziest politics. That was before Mark Sanford's Appalachian adventure, Joe Wilson's outburst, and various other political wackiness. But after Monday's developments, Kurtz rightly decides the Palmetto State makes "a strong bid" for his top 5. (If anyone's in doubt about the state's inclusion on such an august list, consider this evidence.)

State Rep. Nikki Haley, a Sarah Palin favorite and leading contender in a four-way GOP race to replace Love Gov. Sanford, was blindsided Monday by a blogger's accusation of marital infidelity. This wasn't just any old pajamas-wearing gadfly. The accuser is none other than Sanford's former press aide Will Folks. Even weirder, Folks claims to be a Haley supporter, calling her the "one S.C. gubernatorial candidate who, in my opinion, would most consistently advance the ideals I believe in." Folks said he decided to go public with his claim because media outlets were preparing to report on the alleged relationship.

Haley denies having an affair with Folks, saying her enemies are behind the allegation. On her Facebook page, Palin rushed to Haley's defense, telling South Carolinians: "don't let some blogger make any accusation against your Nikki if the guy doesn't even have the guts or the integrity to speak further on such a significant claim." In his blog post, Folks said he wouldn't be commenting further on the topic.

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