COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- After a two-hour deliberation, the SC House Ethics Committee dismissed all charges against Gov. Nikki Haley. Haley responds to the ruling.

In a statement released to ABC Columbia News the governor said, "The Ethics Committee did its job thoroughly, professionally, and well. It's just a shame that our judicial and legislative bodies have had to waste so much of their time on phony political charges that never had any evidence behind them or any basis in fact. Despite these attempts at political distraction, I'm pleased that our administration continues to stay focused on what matters, bringing in record new job announcements, cutting taxes for small businesses and reforming state government."

Committee members say this finally puts to rest months of speculation as to whether the governor violated state ethics laws during her time as a state legislator with the House of Representatives. We will have more on this story tonight on ABC Columbia News at six.