Court nixes activist’s appeal of Haley ethics case

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s high court says legislators and not the legal system should handle citizens’ complaints against their elected representatives.

The state Supreme Court on Wednesday turned down an appeal from Republican activist John Rainey, who accused Gov. Nikki Haley of breaking ethics rules while she was a member of the House.

Rainey alleged that the Republican had done improper lobbying and had also asked whether it was illegal for Haley to seek thousands of dollars from lobbyists for a foundation while legislators were in session

A judge threw out Rainey’s case. A House ethics panel ultimately cleared Haley of allegations Rainey lodged there.

A Haley spokesman said the ruling is the latest proof that the allegations are false. Rainey’s attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP