S.C. blogger reveals texts with top Haley aide
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/05/25/art.nikki.youtube.jpg caption =" The blogger claiming to have had an affair with Nikki Haley has posted a series of text messages between himself and Haley's campaign manager on his website."](CNN) - The blogger claiming to have had an affair with South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley has posted a series of text messages between himself and Haley's campaign manager that appear to show the two men colluding about how to handle the forthcoming scandal.
The messages, covering a nine-day period earlier this month before conservative blogger Will Folks went public with his accusation against the Republican hopeful, were posted Wednesday morning on his website, FITSNews.com.
"I'm telling you man, we keep this under wraps and nh is going to win," reads one text message from Haley campaign manager Tim Pearson to Folks on May 15.
Pearson and Folks swap worried messages about different reporters chasing the story, and one exchange suggests there may be a newsworthy photograph of Haley and Folks.
Pearson confirmed to CNN the authenticity of the text messages.
While Pearson and Folks make allusions to the "rumor," there is nothing in the correspondence proving Folks' claim that he had an "inappropriate physical relationship" with Haley in 2007.
But Folks has suggested that he has more text messages and e-mails from Haley proving the supposed affair. He has yet to make that evidence public.
FITSNews.com says the correspondence released Wednesday bolsters Folks' credibility in the ongoing war of words currently consuming South Carolina politics.
In the face of blistering criticism from Haley supporters, Folks has argued that he had been supporting Haley in the governor's race and keeping her campaign "in the loop" about reporters and political rivals looking into the alleged affair.
Folks said on Monday he decided to go public with the claim to "get ahead" of the story to protect his family.
Haley, one of four GOP candidates competing in the June 8 primary, has emphatically denied Folks' allegation and blamed political opponents for the "disgraceful" charge. Haley and her supporters - including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin - have worked overtime to undermine Folks' credibility.
Pearson said the text messages are authentic but said he was only working with Folks to prevent "false rumors" from coming to light.
"This blogger's overactive imagination has gone into overdrive," Pearson said in an e-mail to CNN. "South Carolina politics is full of rumors and innuendo, and of course our campaign did everything in our power to prevent false rumors about Nikki from airing out in the media as they now have.
"Every campaign would have done exactly the same thing," he added. "As always, Nikki is determined to keep this campaign focused on the people and issues that matter."
From CNN Politics
- House passes sweeping GOP energy policy bill
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Ex-CFO of Trump Org. switches attorneys amid ongoing investigations
- Fact check: Biden's claim that 'you're not allowed' to own a flamethrower or machine gun isn't true in most states
- Federal judge says insurers no longer have to provide some preventive care services, including cancer and heart screenings, at no cost
- Arizona governor's press secretary resigns after tweet suggesting violence against critics of trans rights
That's it? Where's the smoking gun?
So, what we know so far is that an overly-protective campaign manager has acted overly-protective in private email conversations with a controversial blogger. Wow! The scandal!
But Folks has suggested that he has more text messages and e-mails from Haley proving the supposed affair. He has yet to make that evidence public.
-------------------------------------
I really believe Folks have more and if Haley wants to save herself she better come clean right now. Look how long John Edward lied about his afair. I believe they had an afair the truth will come out and it will not be pretty. Haley you need to think you friend Sara Palin for being this out in the open.
Whether the story is true or not, the fact that this man is a lying scum-bag is undisputed. "To protect his family" is a ridiculous excuse.
For some reason people keep calling this a "liberal smear" when the guy accusing her runs a conservative website. Don't set yourself up as perfect and then when your mistakes come out because you are human, they don't ruin you.
Haley should just come out and admit the affair. More incriminating info will eventually come out anyway.
"And now for the rest of the story"...LOL
Meanwhile, the state-controlled MSM are in lock-step to keep quiet about the mountains of evidence which links BHO and VB. It would not be surprising to see that Michelle is as involved in this one as Hillary was with Bubba's Bimbo Eruptions...
Hey, Miss Dumb Palin's endorsement sure worked for the guy in Idaho...lol..NOT!!! keep supporting these wacko candidates Sarah...i know how you republicans just love to lie lie lie!
I saw this forum on Cspan yesterday with republicans 'reaching out to americans for their ideas"...it was such a joke! i mean seriously, they say they have the right ideas for america, but not ONCE did i hear one! and why are they coming to the American people for ideas? I think we spoke LOUD AND CLEAR in 2008!!!! MORONS!
Here is the candidate (Nikki Haley) who is '100% unconditionally backed by Sarah Palin'....now Ms. Haley appears to be 'found out' in her lying about this affair, and like a recent S.C. governor, will soon be backtracking on her own story and apologizing for misleading us all (YES the Dems do this too!). Then look for Palin's ambiguous statements distancing herself from Ms. Haley!
It is a ethics shame that people will lie, cheat, and basically say or do anything to get elected in this country. Does this prove we need more election ethics reforms?
If nothing happened what is Nikki H trying to cover up? Another case of the cover up being worse than the crime.
Don't ask, Don't tell!! Show me the pictures or it didnt happen.
Keep your head up Nikki.
Cheating politicians are either totally delusional or just plain stupid. My personal favorite part of this is how Sarah "the money-grubber" Palin blamed the allegations on more "gotcha journalism" from the main stream media. Love, love, love when Sarah Palin is made to look like a fool, which is EVERY day !! =]