SC Democrat says taxpayers shouldn’t pay for trips

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The House’s leading Democrat says Republican Gov. Nikki Haley should pay for her own security detail when she’s out of state on personal business.

House Minority Leader Harry Ott of St. Matthews introduced legislation Thursday that bars public officials from using taxpayer-funded security and transportation on personal trips.

The proposal comes after it was reported that Haley’s campaign will reimburse the state this summer for the cost of her security on out-of-state fundraising trips in her first 18 months in office.

Ott says his bill would cover other personal trips, too, such as Haley’s recent book tour in New York and Washington, and campaigning for presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey says the governor wishes she didn’t need security but it’s an unfortunate part of her job.