Haley defends military husband’s Facebook post

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The head of South Carolina’s National Guard has spoken with Gov. Nikki Haley’s husband about Facebook posting and says Michael Haley expressed himself as a private citizen, not as a member of the Guard.

Maj. Gen. Robert Livingston says Michael Haley has a unique role serving as the governor’s spouse and a lieutenant in the National Guard.

The two-star general says Michael Haley is very aware of the stir that has been caused by his Facebook post that called members of the state Senate cowards for not voting on a bill his wife favored.

But Livingston says he wants to ensure Michael Haley maintains freedom of speech. The general says he will conduct an internal review to ensure that soldiers don’t step over the line using social media.