Haley attorney to provide list of House members

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Legislators say a statement made by Gov. Nikki Haley’s attorney calls into question the conduct of fellow House members. But the state ethics director says the promised list will likely reflect nothing illegal.

Committee member Joan Brady of Columbia said Thursday attorney Butch Bowers needs to back up a statement he made in defending Haley.

Bowers told the ethics panel that current House members are paid by lobbyist principals. Brady asked for a list.

Bowers’ statement preceded the committee voting to reopen a complaint alleging Haley illegally lobbied while a House member. Haley has repeatedly denied that and last week provided affidavits backing it up.

Ethics director Herb Hayden says nothing bars legislators from working for a business with lobbyists, and legislators aren’t required to report jobs with private companies.